Crime news: providers no longer need to keep copies of rep orders
Providers can stop storing copies of representation orders for billing or audit purposes for the majority of criminal proceedings.
Copies of representation orders no longer need to be kept on file for audit purposes.
This change applies to representation orders dated on or after 1 August 2015. It covers claims for:
- magistates’ court standard and non-standard fees
- Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme (LGFS) and Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS) work
This follows our announcement last year that in the majority of cases providers no longer need to submit copies of representation orders with payment claims.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions where copies of the representation order will still be required for AGFS and LGFS claims. These exceptions are:
- cases where one defendant has transferred from one provider to another will require copies of both current and initial rep orders
- cases where the court agrees multiple advocates are required
- where the Crown Court retains authority to issue representation orders – breaches, bench warrants, contempt of court and noting brief
The e-form system can be used by providers to check whether a representation order has been granted. The MAAT reference number will be contained in the eForm portal notification.
If further information is required then contact the customer service team – see number below.
By autumn 2016 we expect to be able to generate digital representation orders and e-mail these directly to providers.
In the meantime, we will continue to send out paper representation orders to providers and clients.
Further information
0121 232 5500 – for representation order enquiries
Crime news: Simpler Crown Court billing
Crime news: LAC1 committal forms and graduated fee claims