- fees for barristers working on pre-recorded evidence
increased to £1,000
- pre-record helps victims of rape and sexual assault give best
evidence sooner
- allows more people give testimony to bring more rapists and
abusers to justice
The recording takes place as close to the time of the offence as
possible, while memories remain fresh, and helps victims avoid
the stress of giving evidence in a live trial setting, which many
find traumatic.
This fee increase seeks to increase the number of barristers
available for such hearings to reduce victim dropout rates and
bring more rape and sexual assault cases to trial.
A research report published
in April found that rape victims who pre-record their
evidence are more likely to have a better experience of the court
process and find it less intimidating. It also meant they were
able to access vital support services earlier, such as therapy,
without fear that it could be used against them in
cross-examination.
The government is determined to stamp out appalling crimes such
as rape and domestic abuse and has launched an action plan to
overhaul the criminal justice system to transform support for
victims, drive up prosecutions and ensure cases are investigated
fully. All three ambitions in this plan have been met eighteen
months ahead of schedule, restoring the number of police
referrals to the CPS, CPS charges and cases reaching the Crown
Court to 2016 levels.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, , said:
Boosting payments for this work will help more sexual violence
victims testify earlier, away from the full glare of a
courtroom.
It’s the latest step in our ongoing work to further increase the
number of rape victims getting support and justice.
Pre-recording of evidence allows victims and witnesses of crimes
such as rape and modern slavery to have their cross-examination
video-recorded and played later during trial. This is subject to
a successful application to the court.
Fees were originally set at £670 in January when the government
announced barristers would receive advance payments for work on
pre-recorded evidence and for any wasted preparation for the
first time.
This increase comes after an agreed review and as part of the
ongoing work with the professional bodies under the new Criminal
Legal Aid Advisory Board, chaired by Her Honour Deborah
Taylor.
Government investment in the criminal legal aid system is
expected to reach £1.2 billion a year, after the recent 15 per
cent uplift in barrister fees and fees for most solicitors. This
includes:
- police station work, including pre-charge engagement
- magistrates’ court work, including youth court
- Criminal Cases Review Commission work
- advocates’ graduated fees
- expert fees
The fee rise will come into effect as soon as possible when
parliamentary time allows.
Note to editors
Fees are increasing from £670 (+VAT) to £1,000 (+VAT)
