Government's 'irrational policy-making' has wide consequences for criminal justice system, Law Society warns
The Law Society has urged the lord chancellor to either rethink his decision not to increase criminal legal aid rates by the recommended bare minimum or face a judicial review.
In 2021, an independent review of criminal legal aid, led by Christopher Bellamy KC, recommended an immediate increase in rates of at least 15 per cent.
The government has instead put forward its own package of reforms that includes a gradual fee increase for criminal legal aid solicitors of 11 per cent by 2024.
The Law Society has sent a pre-action letter to the government which challenges its decision-making as unlawful and irrational.
Law Society president, Lubna Shuja, said: “We argue the lord chancellor’s decision not to re...
