What’s changing?
From Monday, 26 January 2026, we are introducing an automated reminder system where interim payments have been made but no activity is showing on our records in the past 12 months for cases where a final account has not been received.
This online process is designed to help solicitors ensure compliance with the statutory timeframes for submitting an account and verifying the work that has been carried out on the case.
Why these matter
Under Section 35 of the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022, solicitors can submit interim claims on a ‘pay now, vouch later’ basis.
The legislation came into effect on 1 October 2022 under sections 33ZB and 33ZC of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986.
Our earlier update explained that a final account must still be submitted when the case concludes.
Since October 2022, interim claims have been widely used, and in May 2025 we introduced a report to help firms track cases with unpaid final accounts.
That report remains available for the historic cases only. Any cases on the report where the record has been actioned will be removed from the report.
How the new notification process works
Reminders will be issued for any case with interim payments where there has been no activity on our records in the last 12 months for cases where a final account has not been received.
Key scenarios
- Transfer of solicitor in criminal solemn and summary legal aid cases and ABWOR cases for accounts chargeable on schedule 1A
If a case transfers to another solicitor, you cannot submit a final account until the last acting solicitor submits theirs. Reminders will only be sent if we have already asked you for a final account and it has not been received.
- Interim claim values exceed final account submitted
If the value of the final account submitted is less than the interim payments received, your firm is jointly and severally liable to repay the difference.
You should ensure you submit your final account within the statutory time frame and ensure it meets the fee regulation requirements on verifying the work done that has been claimed.
If we do not receive a final account and/or a solicitor/firm does not respond to our request for a final account, we reserve our right to take any action as is reasonable and appropriate to ensure that there is no loss to the Scottish Legal Aid Fund.
- Overpayment after assessment
If, after assessment, interim payments exceed the final account, we will notify you.
You have 30 days to tell us if you disagree with our assessment of the account and/or, where relevant, provide us with the relevant information or vouching before recovery action begins.
- Advice & Assistance recovery cases
Where interim payment(s) have been paid on advice and assistance cases and we have not received a final account you will be asked if the case is still active or if it has concluded.
If the case has concluded and your client has got or kept property in the action and you have received payment of an interim(s) claim, you must send payment of the interim claim(s) back to us.
You should send an electronic payment using the bank details below. Please use the advice and assistance reference number as the payment reference.
The Royal Bank of Scotland, sort code: 83-06-08, account number: 00193901
No final account should be submitted as you should take payment directly from the property.
If you plan on submitting a hardship application and this is granted, a final account can be submitted. If this is refused, you must pay back the interim claim(s) using the bank details above.
What you need to do
- Check your cases now: use the historic report for older cases and prepare for automated reminders
- Submit final accounts promptly: to ensure compliance with the statutory timeframe for submitting an account
- Respond to notifications: failure to act may result in us taking any action that is reasonable and appropriate to protect the Scottish Legal Aid Fund.
Further information
For queries or more information, please contact:
