Report on findings from the Criminal Quality Assurance Scheme for Criminal Legal Assistance for 2023-24
2 October 2024
The latest Annual Report of the Criminal Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) is published setting out statistics, issues and findings for the year to 31 March 2024
All solicitor updates
Keycards to be updated as new Regulations add to lists of disregarded payments when assessing applications
1 October 2024
This update explains changes to the Keycards and guidance as a result of three sets of regulations which come into force on different days in October
Civil
Guidance for immigration and asylum practitioners
30 September 2024
This update provides clarity on how the fees tables should be applied when charging for certain immigration and asylum work activities
Civil
Changes to recording work where fees are time-based
25 September 2024
Upcoming changes to the Legal Aid Online accounts system will require start and stop times for only time-based work entries in civil and children's accounts
All solicitor updates
Accounts payment date today issued in error
16 September 2024
Accounts processed on Friday 13 September 2024 state issued remittance will be Monday 16 September, but payments will be processed on Tuesday 17 September 2024.
All solicitor updates
Policies and guidance published on the preparation and assessment of solicitors’ legal assistance accounts
28 August 2024
Comprehensive accounts guidance is now available for all types of advice and assistance and legal aid accounts chargeable on a detailed fees basis
Criminal
Reminder on applications for legal aid for criminal appeals
28 August 2024
Guidance on the importance of following the two-stage approach to appeals to ensure cover is in place
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Payment dates over 26 August bank holiday
22 August 2024
The Bank Holiday on 26 August will affect BACS payments to the profession
Children's
Reminder of requirements for children’s duty solicitors appointed to act for a subject child at duty hearings
8 August 2024
This update is to remind anyone appointed as duty solicitor for a child for a hearing of the requirements that must be met prior to attending the hearing.
All solicitor updates
LAOL: improvements to our online system
7 August 2024
This update is to inform you of system enhancements made to Legal Aid Online (LAOL) and further improvements planned for the autumn