4. Seek new powers to allow us to pay a proportion of interim claims without the need for a detailed account or full assessment, subject to clear provisions regarding recovery of any overpayments

We are seeking new legal powers to allow us to pay interim claims without a detailed account.

We want to be able to pay a simple claim at 75% of the value claimed where based on detailed fees, or 100% of the value of any completed block, with no further enquiry or assessment by us at that stage.

This would extend the process that currently applies for civil legal aid fees to other aid types.

It would significantly reduce the administrative burden for solicitors in claiming interim fees, and allow us to set up a hugely streamlined system for the regular submission and payment of interim accounts.

There would be a provision requiring a final accounting at the conclusion of the case when sums due to or by a firm would then be paid.