Crime news: workshops to improve accuracy of Crown Court claims
Workshops demonstrating how to submit the correct electronic evidence when claiming for Crown Court work are to be rolled out in the coming months.
A provider workshop is to be held on 11 April 2019 showing providers how to correctly claim for electronically served Pages of Prosecution Evidence (PPE).
Additional events will be held in Leeds, London and Newcastle over the coming months.
This follows a successful ‘PPE and special preparation pilot’ workshop in Manchester on 11 March 2019.
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.
Is the workshop only about electronic evidence?
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?
The workshop will be at the Legal Aid Agency office, 18 The Priory Queensway, Birmingham, on 11 April 2019, between 11am and 1.45pm.
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.
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
Further information
Criminal legal aid processing: applications and digital systems