Faculty welcomes increase in legal aid fees

 

THE Faculty has welcomed a three per cent increase in legal aid fees announced by the Scottish Government in its response to the findings of the Evans independent review of legal aid.

Angela Grahame, QC, Vice-Dean of Faculty, said: “We are grateful for the careful consideration which has clearly been given by the Scottish Government to the Independent Strategic Review of Legal Aid, and welcome its commitment to hold a public consultation in 2019 on the Review’s recommendations. 

 “We welcome the support of the Scottish Government for the legal profession in which our members play a vital role. 

“We were disappointed that the Review did not recommend any increase in legal aid fees and are greatly encouraged by the Scottish Government’s approach.  For our members to receive this public support from the Scottish Government is heartening,  and the decision to increase both civil and criminal legal aid fees demonstrates an acknowledgement of the commitment demonstrated by our members doing legal aid work on a daily basis over many years.

“We are very pleased to note the Scottish Government’s intention to convene a Panel to consider a new payment framework to deliver fair and sustainable legal aid fees in all areas, civil and criminal, which goes beyond the recommendations of the Review. The Faculty looks forward to contributing to the work of this Panel, if invited to do so.” 

The Scottish Government’s response is at https://news.gov.scot/news/fee-increase-for-legal-aid-lawyers