Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Paragraph: 150
The Government should consider creating a system of earned autonomy that places more trust in...
Recommendation
The Government should consider creating a system of earned autonomy that places more trust in the decision making of providers with strong records of high-quality decision making. The Agency’s processes should have some incentives for providers to work towards gradually reducing the burden of administrative requirements. Given the difficulties facing legal aid providers, placing greater trust in their ability to decide on eligibility would expand their capacity which would be beneficial for access to justice.
Paragraph Reference:
150
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The LAA takes a proportionate and reasonable approach to contract management and assurance. The LAA seeks a balance between having confidence in the quality and compliant service provided to clients, the use of public funding, and the administrative burden on providers. Prior to the pandemic, the LAA had reduced their volume of provider audit activities by 16% compared to 2017, with 40% fewer Contract Notices issued, and had reduced their administrative spending on audit activity by 14%. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 the LAA reviewed and paused non-essential Contract Management activity to reduce the administrative burden on providers. The LAA continue to look for opportunities to make this process easier and will be reflecting on the approach taken during the lockdown period of remote audits and increased use of electronic files, to ensure the audit burden on providers remains proportionate.