Civil news: 2018 civil contract extensions to include immigration
We have decided to include immigration in the planned extensions of all 2018 Standard Civil Contracts until 31 August 2023.
Providers working across all categories are to be notified of our intention to extend the 2018 Standard Civil Contract until 31 August 2023.
Why is this important now?
We want you to understand that the 2018 Standard Civil contract will be uniformly extended in all categories to 31 August 2023. This is a change to the previous announcement made in March 2022.
What does this mean for immigration?
It has been agreed that all immigration contracts will also now be extended until 31 August 2023. We will no longer be extending immigration contracts for a shorter period.
The Ministry of Justice is currently running a consultation on immigration fees, which closes on 8 August 2022.
Once this has concluded we will consult representative bodies on changes to the immigration contract because of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. We will then develop a tender allowing new providers to bid for immigration contacts.
What happens next?
We will be writing to all current civil contract providers to confirm our intentions and formally issue extension offers.
2018 Standard Civil Contract
The Standard Civil Contract 2018 is the contract between the LAA and providers for the provision of face-to-face civil legal aid in England and Wales.
The standard terms underpin the commercial relationship between the LAA and providers.
Further information
Standard Civil Contract 2018 – 2018 civil contract documents are available on GOV.UK