After carefully considering our approach for the 2022
crime contract against the backdrop of uncertainty and
the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, we recognise that
launching a tender in April – as we had originally
planned – would add further pressure during an already
challenging period.
We are therefore offering existing providers a further
six month extension to the contract (until 30 September
2022).
Contract background
The 2017 Standard Crime Contract is the current
contract between the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) and providers for the
provision of face-to-face criminal legal aid in England
and Wales.
Contract timeline
The 2017 Standard Crime Contract commenced on 1 April
2017 with an initial term of three years (the Contract
Period) with an option to extend it by up to two years.
In accordance with the contract terms, and further to
the Headline Intentions we published in August 2020,
the LAA will now
extend the contract for a further year, until 31 March
2022.
This contract extension is automatic – existing
providers do not need to do anything and will receive a
formal notification letter.
Offer of further six month extension
In addition, existing providers will be offered a
further six month extension to the Contract Period
(until 30 September 2022).
All providers must respond by email as specified in the
Contract Extension letter by 12pm on Monday 8 March
2021.
Contract extension letter
All providers will be sent a notice letter via email
detailing the above extensions.
These letters will be sent on the 17 February 2021 to
the email address of the person you have advised us is
the Contract Liaison Manager for your organisation.
If you have not received your letter by Friday 19
February 2021, please email crime.contracts@justice.gov.uk
and someone will respond to you as soon as possible
(Please check your junk folder first before emailing).
Versions of the
Standard Crime Contract 2017 documents are available on
GOV.UK
Headline
Intentions
