Crime news: drive to boost accurate electronic Crown Court claims
A workshop is to be trialled to see if it helps providers send in the correct electronic evidence needed in support of Crown Court claims.
We are planning to test a provider workshop to highlight how to correctly claim electronically served evidence as Pages of Prosecution Evidence (PPE).
If successful then more workshops could be held in different parts of the country. Feedback from providers will be looked at to see if any changes can be made to help with successful claims.
Why is this happening now?
A number of claims are being submitted without the correct information. This is leading to unnecessary rejections and fee reductions.
Where can I find electronic billing guidance?
Guidance is available on GOV.UK pages for all aspects of Crown Court legal aid fees. This explains:
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how to make claims through the Crown Court Defence (CCD) online billing system
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importance of selecting the ‘Disc Evidence’ option and printing the disc evidence form
The electronic disc evidence you must post is listed in the Crown Court fee guidance document. See paragraph 16 on page 69, appendix D.
This needs to be sent to: Legal Aid Agency, Fothergill House, 2nd Floor, 16 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS DX: 10035 Nottingham 1
Is the workshop only about electronic evidence?
This is what the workshop will cover:
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supporting information for electronic evidence
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assessment process
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LAA reports
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special preparation
Where will it be held?
We will be holding a PPE workshop at the Legal Aid Agency office in Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD, on 11 March 2019 between 11am and 1.30pm.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in attending email jennifer.johnson@justice.gov.uk
Places are limited so you will need to apply early.
Further information
Criminal legal aid processing: applications and digital systems