Crime news: Phase 1 Means Test Review criminal legal aid changes
Removal of financial eligibility tests for under 18s.
Phase 1 changes of the Means Test Review are coming into force on Thursday 3 August 2023.
The changes remove the means testing requirement for people under the age of 18 applying for:
- criminal legal representation advice and assistance
- criminal advocacy assistance
Why is it happening now?
The statutory instrument for the Phase 1 changes was laid 4 July 2023. The changes come into force on 3 August 2023.
The LAA have updated the relevant forms and guidance: CRM1 and Criminal Keycard 47
The relevant clauses of the Standard Crime Contract Specification have been updated
Changes will be made to the Criminal Bills Assessment Manual in due course.
If you have a CRM5 application to make in respect of a youth, please complete the means information as nil from 3 August 2023. Providers are advised to note in the Additional Information section of the CRM5 that the client is under 18.
Changes will be made to the CRM5 Eform in due course.
New versions of the forms will be published on gov.uk on 3 August 2023 and should be used by all providers from that date. Any previous versions of the forms will continue to be accepted up to 1 month after the changes take effect (3 September 2023).
Where can I find out more?
Further information
- Impact assessments and equalities statement - Means Test Review consultation response
- Means Test Statutory Instrument - The Criminal and Civil Legal Aid (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (legislation.gov.uk)