The Department of Justice is seeking views on proposals to
increase fees paid to solicitors and barristers for legal aid
services.
The proposals are one of the first steps in the Enabling Access
to Justice Reform Programme, which aims to improve justice
delivery and ensure everyone – particularly the most vulnerable –
has access to tailored systems, support, advice and
representation.
The Minister said: “High-quality advice and
representation is critical to securing justice, and fair and
proportionate remuneration is vital to ensure the continued
availability of high-quality advice and representation.
“The proposals I am announcing today are the first step
in ensuring the continued viability of the justice
system.
“They follow recommendations of the Fundamental Review of
Legal Aid which I commissioned His Honour Judge Burgess to lead.
The Review recognised there is more work to do but the proposals
I am consulting on today are an important step in ensuring the
stability and effectiveness of the justice system.
“The viability of the legal profession is not dependent
on fees alone, nor is it solely a matter for the Department, but
I am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure citizens have
access to quality legal services.
“That means fair payment for work undertaken. I have
listened to the concerns of the legal profession. It is clear
fees need to be reset, and I am taking action, and taking action
at pace.”
The Minister concluded: “The proposed
fee increases represent a significant additional investment of
£9.892million per year in the justice system. That is over and
above the £114million already secured for legal aid this year
following an equivalent spend last year.
“As part of the wider reform programme,
the additional investment will help ensure the system is
sustainable now and well into the future.”
The public consultation will be open until 27 March 2025 and
everyone is being encouraged to have their say – Public Consultation on proposals
for enhanced remuneration for providers of legal services - NI
Direct - Citizen Space
Notes to editors:
- Legal aid is funded by the Department of Justice and helps
people who cannot afford to pay for legal advice or
representation in court by a solicitor or barrister.
- The ‘Legal Aid – Amendments to Legal Aid Remuneration'
consultation is one of the first steps in the Enabling Access to
Justice Programme, which was informed by previous reviews and
existing data; learning from other jurisdictions and detailed
stakeholder engagement including a call for evidence on the
Foundational Review of Civil Legal Aid; the Fundamental Review of
Criminal Legal Aid; priority setting exercise for civil legal aid
for victims of domestic abuse jointly commissioned by the
Department and the Commissioner designate for Victims of Crime.
The Programme Delivery Plan is also subject to consultation
(Public Consultation on
Enabling Access to Justice Programme Delivery Plan January 2025
- NI Direct - Citizen Space.
- Subject to business case approval by the Department of
Finance, the proposed fee increases (in generality 16%) represent
an investment of an additional £9.892million per annum in the
justice system.
