News story

Crime news: testing on eForms replacement starts summer 2023

We are developing a new digital service to replace CRM14 and CRM15 eForms and testing with providers and caseworkers starts in summer 2023.

Digital representations of hands and real hands.

A replacement digital service for criminal applications using eForms is under development with trials due to start in the summer months.

Why is this happening now?

Our current service contract for eForm applications ends in 2024 so we are developing a new in-house replacement service. Our working name for this is ‘Crime Apply’.

Features of replacement service

The new service will replace CRM14 and CRM15 eForms and offers:

  • reduced need for further information requests and rejects

  • accessible service, designed in line with the government’s Service Standard – see below

Timescales

Testing with a small group of providers and caseworkers will begin in summer 2023 on an early version of Crime Apply.

The plan is to gradually sign up more providers as users while the service is being developed. Firms will be contacted to confirm when they can be brought on board.

Providers who would like to sign up to use an early version of the service are welcome to register their interest by emailing:

LAAapplyonboarding@justice.gov.uk

Phased approach

As the new service is being developed in stages, providers will continue using eForms for some application types until the full service is available.

An early version of the service will be released in summer 2023 and used for new applications by defendants with:

  • National Insurance number, unless aged under 18

  • passported benefit, including Universal Credit

  • no partner

The aim is to develop Crime Apply as a complete replacement for CRM14 and CRM15 eForms by early 2024.

Other eForm services

Development work is also taking place on the other eForm services. These include:

  • CRM4 – applications for prior authorities

  • CRM5 – extension of upper limit

  • CRM7 – non-standard magistrates’ fees

  • Civil Payments on Account (POAs) using eForms – this does not affect POAs submitted in the Client and Cost Management System (CCMS)

Further details on this work will be shared as development continues. The aim is to have replacement services for all our eForms before September 2024.

Further information

LAAapplyonboarding@justice.gov.uk – for enquiries about ‘Crime Apply’

Service Standard – to view government approach to developing accessible services

Updates to this page

Published 5 April 2023