Civil news: single counsel VHCC care case fees
New fixed fee model for one counsel care cases from 1 October 2015.
A revised fixed fee model will be used for all care cases with one counsel starting on 1 October 2015.
Training and information packs
Online training modules are available on the provider training website so you can familiarise yourself with the Very High Cost Case (VHCC) Care Case Fee Scheme – link below.
Checklists and information packs can also be found on GOV.UK – see below.
In addition, you can try out the new form and online calculator. But these should not be used for claims before 1 October 2015.
The Law Society is offering a webinar on the Care Case Fee Scheme (CCFS) and this is being held on 8 October 2015. You have until 12pm on 7 October 2015 to book a place – link below.
Training on CCFS is also being offered as part of a family costs workshop at the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group annual conference.
This is being held in Birmingham on 9 October 2015 – link below.
What exactly is changing?
The new simplified Care Case Fee Scheme (CCFS) means that from 1 October 2015 you will have:
- one combined case plan and claim form
- online calculator to help cost your claim
The scheme has been developed and amended following discussion and consultations with your representative bodies.
A version of CCFS has already been operating as one of 2 options for payment claims. But from 1 October 2015 the alternative option of a fully costed case plan will not normally be available.
However, there are exceptions – see below.
How does CCFS work?
CCFS was previously known as the ‘Events Model’. Examples of ‘events’ include the number of hearings, pre-hearing reviews and counsel conferences.
Costs are calculated by totalling up these ‘events’.
Exceptions
Starting on 1 October 2015 all single counsel care cases will be paid under CCFS. The only exception will be if you can show you would be paid at least 30% more by claiming hourly rates with a case plan rather than using the CCFS model.
This needs to be for justified reasons and include any enhancement under a full case plan.
What about 2 counsel care cases?
Arrangements for 2 counsel care VHCCs remain unchanged.
Can the fixed fee model be used elsewhere?
Fully costed case plans will remain for other public and private law cases. However, you can ask to use the fixed fee model based on “events” and the Legal Aid Agency will let you know if it is suitable.
You can find out more about how to apply in paragraph 19 of the CCFS information pack. This is available to download on GOV.UK – see link below.
Further information
Provider training website – to download CCFS training modules
Civil high cost cases: family – to download information packs and checklists and test new form and online calculator
Legal Aid Practitioners Group annual conference 2015 – to download flyer containing details of family costs workshop
Law Society CPD centre: very high cost case (VHCC) care cases – to book audio webinar