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updated on 01 November 2013
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has stated that 95% of criminal barristers are not prepared to work at the proposed reduced legal aid rates. The government's current proposal would reduce fees by 30%, on top of a 40% reduction in 1997.
Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling, architect of the controversial cuts, is due to meet with Nigel Lithman, chairperson of the CBA. Lithman has warned of the devastating effect of the cuts on existing and futures cases: "Serious cases are in danger of collapse due to inadequate representation. Step one will be barristers holding existing briefs that they will both return and refuse to enter what’s deemed a new contract. Step two will be barristers refusing to take the high cost cases at reduced rates."
In addition, the CBA has spoken of its fears that the profession will be unable to attract and retain junior barristers, some of whom will be facing fees of just £45 a day for visiting a client in Belmarsh.