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Government’s Response to the consultation Criminal Legal Aid: proposals for solicitor fee scheme reform.
01 December 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the government's response to a consultation on reforming the solicitor fee scheme for criminal legal aid.
Action Requested
The government is implementing proposed fee increases, including a 10% increase for magistrates' courts and a 24% increase for prison work. Statutory Instruments will be brought forward to amend the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013, with the first set to come into force on 22 December 2025.
Key Facts
- The consultation was published on 9 May 2025.
- An additional £92 million per annum investment is allocated once fully implemented.
- A 10% increase in magistrates’ courts fees and a 24% increase for prison work are proposed.
- Fees for solicitors’ appeals work will be uplifted by 10%.
- The first Statutory Instrument will come into force on 22 December 2025.
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