Government announces cash injection for criminal legal aid

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The UK government has announced a £24 million injection of cash into police station and youth court fees, marking the “start of the government’s work to support the sustainability of the justice system both now and in future”.

Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood confirmed that £18.5 million will be allotted to legal aid work undertaken in police stations and £5.1 million to youth court fees.

On top of this, £400,000 will be allocated to reimburse travel time for solicitors who work in or commute to areas with fewer than two providers, as well as the Isle of Wight.

Law Society President Richard Atkinson welcomes the additional funding and said it’s encouraging to see that the Lord Chancellor recognises the “important role that solicitors play in our criminal justice system”.

Atkinson added: “The additional funding brings hope to the criminal defence profession as does her recognition that this is just the first step needed to stabilise the sector.”

The changes are due to take effect from 6 December, with the case increase £3 million more than the £21 million proposed in January 2024 by former Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.

Atkinson acknowledged that the “crisis cannot be solved overnight” but urged the government to “set out a timetable for further funding for criminal legal aid solicitors by the end of the year”.

The Law Society looks forward to “working with the lord chancellor as she considers the next steps needed to ensure access to justice for all and the effective running of our criminal justice system.”

The announcement comes alongside the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board’s annual report in which several recommendations for improving the criminal legal aid system are proposed.