The High Court has granted the Law Society permission to bring a judicial review challenge against the government. The application for permission was made after the government failed to increase criminal defence solicitors' legal aid rates by the bare minimum 15%, as recommended by Lord Bellamy's independent review on criminal legal aid.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) 2023-2024 business plan and budget consultation proposes a 12% budget increase, which could impact firms who are already facing inflationary pressures, the Law Society of England and Wales said today.