Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 38
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers the Law Society’s detailed proposals for payment...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers the Law Society’s detailed proposals for payment and repayment of monthly payments (to solicitors firms and not-for-profit providers) and that the Ministry of Justice reports back to us on whether it decides to adopt the proposals and, if not, provide the reasons for that decision.
Paragraph Reference:
38
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government has carefully considered the Law Society’s proposals. However providers of Legal Aid are affected differently according to their business model. The Standard Monthly Payment (SMP) is utilised only by a small proportion of providers and represents only a proportion of typical revenue of an individual organisation. Accordingly, SMP as a means of contractual relief would give an inconsistent application of support to a limited number of providers that may bear no relation to the overall financial circumstances of the organisation in question. However, providers should continue to talk to Legal Aid Agency contract managers about their individual circumstances. We are continuing to monitor the financial health and sustainability of the legal aid sector, and will consider appropriate means of support as necessary.