Crime news: simpler Crown Court billing
Representation orders dated on or after 1 August 2015 will no longer need to accompany majority of Crown Court bills.
More than 75% of billing submissions for Crown Court work will soon no longer need to be accompanied by representation orders.
The change applies to cases with representation orders dated on or after 1 August 2015.
This will simplify the billing process for both providers and advocates. It follows IT improvements in the way the Legal Aid Agency works with HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
As a result of this improvement, LGFS and AGFS caseworkers can now view represenation orders granted by the Legal Aid Agency.
This means for cases with representation orders dated 1 August 2015 onwards, the majority of providers and advocates will no longer need to submit representation orders to suport their claims under:
- Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS)
- Litigators’ Graduated Fee Scheme (LGFS)
Exceptions
There are some exceptions and you will need to consider whether representation orders still need to accompany your claim. These exceptions are:
- cases where one defendant has transferred from one provider to another will require copies of both current and initial representation orders
- cases where the court agrees multiple advocates are required
- circumstances where the Crown Court retains authority to issue representation orders – breaches, bench warrants, contempt of court and noting brief
Further information
AGFS
advocates-fee@legalaid.gsi.gov.uk
0115 852 6000 (lines open 9am to 1pm)
LGFS
litigators-fee@legalaid.gsi.gov.uk
0115 852 6000 (lines open 10am to 12pm, 3pm to 5pm)