These Regulations may be cited as the Criminal Legal Aid (General and Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.
These Regulations, enacted by the Lord Chancellor under powers granted by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, amend the existing Criminal Legal Aid (General) Regulations 2013 and (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 for England and Wales.
The primary actions involve updating remuneration rates for various criminal legal aid services, including those in the Court of Appeal, police stations, magistrates' courts, and youth courts, effective from December 22nd and December 31st, 2025.
Furthermore, they formally extend criminal legal aid status to specific High Court proceedings related to Parole Board release decisions, modify rules regarding interim payments, and introduce provisions allowing appropriate officers to adjust fees above or below prescribed rates based on case complexity and performance.
Arguments For
Introduces necessary updates to the payment rates for legal aid services, ensuring remuneration rates keep pace with current economic conditions and operational costs for legal practitioners.
Expands criminal legal aid coverage to include specific High Court proceedings involving Parole Board release decisions, enhancing access to justice in critical areas related to detention and release.
Harmonizes the fixed fee and escape fee threshold for police station attendance across all Police Station Schemes, simplifying administration and potentially standardizing service quality.
Removes an outdated restriction on interim payments for defendants electing Crown Court trial after a summary trial suitability determination, aiding solicitor cash flow in those cases.
Arguments Against
Changes to remuneration rates and fee structures create complexity and administrative burden for firms needing to update billing systems and compliance procedures.
The introduction of specific fee limits and extensions tied to the '2025 Standard Crime Contract' may create dependency on external, iterative documents that are not fully contained within the primary legislation.
Adjustments to fees, while generally increases, might still lag behind the actual non-billable overheads or inflation faced by legal aid providers, potentially impacting the sector's sustainability.
Amending regulations through secondary instruments prolongs the legislative process for necessary financial adjustments, rather than embedding periodic, automatic review mechanisms.
The Lord Chancellor formally creates these rules using the authority granted by specific subsections of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
Citation and extent1.
(1)
(2)
These Regulations extend to England and Wales.
The official short title of these Regulations is the Criminal Legal Aid (General and Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.
These regulatory changes apply only within the jurisdictions of England and Wales.
Commencement2.
(1)
These Regulations come into force on 22nd December 2025, subject to the following paragraph.
(2)
Regulation 3 comes into force on 31st December 2025.
Most of the Regulations take legal effect on December 22, 2025.
However, Regulation 3, which deals with amendments to the General Regulations, is delayed and comes into force later on December 31, 2025.
Amendment to the Criminal Legal Aid (General) Regulations 20133.
In regulation 9 (criminal proceedings) of the Criminal Legal Aid (General) Regulations 20133—
(a)
at the end of paragraph (ug) omit “and”
;
(b)
after paragraph (ug) insert—
(uh)
proceedings in the High Court concerning a release decision of the Parole Board, which have been referred under section 32ZAA of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 or section 256AZBA of the Criminal Justice Act 2003; and”.
This amends regulation 9 of the 2013 General Regulations, which defines what counts as 'criminal proceedings' for legal aid purposes.
It removes the word 'and' after an existing point (ug) and inserts a new point (uh).
The new point adds High Court proceedings related to a Parole Board release decision, provided these proceedings were referred under specific sections of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 or the Criminal Justice Act 2003, into the list of covered criminal proceedings.
Amendments to the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 20134.
(1)
The Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 20134 are amended as follows.
(2)
In regulation 17A (interim payment of litigators’ fees), omit paragraph (3).
(3)
Schedule 3 (proceedings in the Court of Appeal) is amended as set out in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.
(4)
Schedule 4 (rates payable for the claims specified in regulation 8) is amended as set out in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.
This section introduces amendments flowing through to the 2013 Remuneration Regulations, which govern how legal aid providers are paid.
Specifically, it removes subparagraph (3) from regulation 17A concerning interim payments for litigators.
It also notes that Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 of the Remuneration Regulations are amended, referring to Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of this amending instrument for the detailed changes.
Application and transitional provision5.
(1)
These Regulations apply to services provided following a relevant determination.
(2)
In this regulation, “relevant determination” means a determination made on an application for services under section 13 (advice and assistance for individuals in custody), 15 (advice and assistance for criminal proceedings) or 16 (representation for criminal proceedings) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 on or after 22nd December 2025.
These amendments apply only to legal aid services where a 'relevant determination'—a decision to grant advice or representation—is made on or after December 22, 2025.
This timeframe is specified regarding sections 13, 15, or 16 of the 2012 Act covering custody advice, general criminal advice, and representation, respectively.
Signed by authority of the Lord Chancellor
Sarah Sackman
Minister of State
Ministry of Justice
This section records the official signing of the Regulations by Sarah Sackman, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, on November 27, 2025, acting under the authority of the Lord Chancellor.
Schedule 1Amendments to Schedule 3 to the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013
1.
In paragraph 7 (litigators’ fees for proceedings in the Court of Appeal), for the table following sub-paragraph (1) substitute—
Class of work | Grade of fee earner | Rate | Variations |
|---|---|---|---|
Preparation | Senior solicitor | £61.17 per hour | £64.35 per hour for a litigator whose office is situated within the City of London or a London borough |
Solicitor, legal executive or fee earner of equivalent experience | £51.94 per hour | £54.55 per hour for a litigator whose office is situated within the City of London or a London borough | |
Trainee or fee earner of equivalent experience | £34.34 per hour | £39.25 per hour for a litigator whose office is situated within the City of London or a London borough | |
Advocacy | Senior solicitor | £73.88 per hour | |
Solicitor | £64.65 per hour | ||
Attendance at court where more than one representative assigned | Senior solicitor | £48.76 per hour | |
Solicitor, legal executive or fee earner of equivalent experience | £39.25 per hour | ||
Trainee or fee earner of equivalent experience | £23.67 per hour | ||
Travelling and waiting | Senior solicitor | £28.57 per hour | |
Solicitor, legal executive or fee earner of equivalent experience | £28.57 per hour | ||
Trainee or fee earner of equivalent experience | £14.43 per hour | ||
Routine letters written and routine telephone calls | £3.98 per item | £4.16 per item for a litigator whose office is situated within the City of London or a London borough |
Schedule 1, pursuant to Regulation 4(3), updates the remuneration rates for litigators handling proceedings in the Court of Appeal by replacing paragraph 7's table.
The table specifies hourly rates for preparation, advocacy, attendance, travelling/waiting, and fixed item rates for routine correspondence.
Rates for preparation, advocacy, and routine items vary, with higher rates applicable if the solicitor's office is located in the City of London or a London borough.
Schedule 2Amendments to Schedule 4 to the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013
1.
In paragraph 2 (work conducted at the police station: police station advice and assistance), for sub-paragraphs (4) to (8), including the table after sub-paragraph (8), substitute—
(4)
The Fixed Fee for Police Station attendance is £320 for all Police Station Schemes.
(5)
The Escape Fee Threshold for Police Station attendance is £650 for all Police Station Schemes.
(6)
Where attendance is at a place where an interviewing Constable is present, and that place is not a police station listed as being within a Police Station Scheme, the attendance will be taken as being at—
(a)
the Police Station Scheme within which the interviewing Constable is normally based, or
(b)
the Police Station Scheme nearest to the place of attendance, where the interviewing Constable is not normally based within a Police Station Scheme.
(7)
Where attendance is at a place where a Services Person is assisting with an investigation by Services Police, the relevant Police Station Scheme is the Police Station Scheme within which the police station nearest to the place of attendance is listed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (8).
(8)
In this paragraph, “Police Station Scheme” means a Police Station Scheme listed in the table set out in Annex A to version 19 (October 2025) of the Standard Crime Contract Guidance for Reporting Crime Lower Work.”.
2.
In paragraph 3 (work conducted outside the police station), after the table following sub-paragraph (4) insert—
(5)
The Upper Limits prescribed in this paragraph may be extended upon application in accordance with the 2025 Standard Crime Contract.”.
3.
In paragraph 3A (advice and assistance for pre-charge engagement), after sub-paragraph (2) insert—
(3)
The Upper Limit prescribed in this paragraph may be extended upon application in accordance with the 2025 Standard Crime Contract.”.
4.
In paragraph 4 (advice and assistance and advocacy assistance by a court duty solicitor and advocacy assistance at the virtual court)—
(a)
for the table following sub-paragraph (1) (advice and assistance and advocacy assistance by a court duty solicitor) substitute—
Advice and Assistance and Advocacy Assistance by a court Duty Solicitor
Work type | London (£) | National (£) |
|---|---|---|
Standard hourly rate (attendance and waiting at a magistrates’ court) | 63.66 | 62.16 |
Enhanced hourly rate (only payable in respect of work done on a day which is not a Business Day) | 79.53 | 77.68 |
Travelling hourly rate (only payable where the Duty Solicitor is called out (including being called to return) to the court from the Office or attends on a day that is not a Business Day. Reasonable travel expenses may also be claimed (where relevant)). | 30.36 | 30.36 |
(b)
for the table following sub-paragraph (2) (advocacy assistance at the virtual court) substitute—
Advocacy Assistance at the Virtual Court
London (£) | National (£) | |
|---|---|---|
Virtual Court Fixed Fee where the hearing is held during Business Hours | 230.87 | 173.15 |
Virtual Court Fixed Fee where the hearing is held during Unsocial hours | 277.04 | 207.78 |
5.
In paragraph 5 (representation in a magistrates’ court)—
(a)
for the table following sub-paragraph (1) substitute—
Representation in a magistrates’ court
All areas (£) | |
|---|---|
Routine letters written and telephone calls per item | 4.50 |
Preparation hourly rate | 57.37 |
Advocacy hourly rate (including applications for bail and other applications to the court) | 71.96 |
Hourly rate for attendance at court where Counsel is assigned (including conferences with Counsel at court) | 39.25 |
Travelling and waiting hourly rate (only claimable where the undesignated area fees apply) | 30.36 |
(b)
for the table following sub-paragraph (2) (higher and lower standard fees table) substitute—
Higher and Lower Standard Fees table
Lower Standard Fee (£) | Lower Standard Fee Limit (£) | Higher Standard Fee (£) | Higher Standard Fee Limit (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Designated Area Standard Fees | ||||
Category 1A | 314.62 | 344.51 | 596.84 | 596.89 |
Category 1B | 255.78 | 344.51 | 551.09 | 596.89 |
Category 2 | 436.85 | 591.82 | 915.04 | 986.25 |
Undesignated Area Standard Fees | ||||
Category 1A | 246.27 | 344.51 | 521.57 | 596.89 |
Category 1B | 200.21 | 344.51 | 481.59 | 596.89 |
Category 2 | 353.51 | 591.82 | 810.79 | 986.25 |
(c)
in sub-paragraph (6), for “£208.61”
substitute
.“£229.47”
6.
In paragraph 5B (representation in the youth court)—
(a)
for the table following sub-paragraph (4) substitute—
Representation in the youth court
All areas (£) | |
|---|---|
Routine letters written and telephone calls per item | 4.50 |
Preparation hourly rate | 57.37 |
Advocacy hourly rate (including applications for bail and other applications to the court) | 71.96 |
Hourly rate for attendance at court where Counsel is assigned (including conferences with Counsel at court) | 39.25 |
Travelling and waiting hourly rate (only claimable where the undesignated area fees apply) | 30.36 |
Additional fee for cases which fall outside the Standard Fee payment schemes (only claimable in cases falling under Category 1A or 2A in the table following sub-paragraph (5)) | 658.45 |
(b)
for the table following sub-paragraph (5) (higher and lower standard fees table) substitute—
Higher and Lower Standard Fees table
Lower Standard Fee (£) | Lower Standard Fee Limit (£) | Higher Standard Fee (£) | Higher Standard Fee Limit (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Designated Area Standard Fees | ||||
Category 1A | 973.07 | 344.51 | 1,255.29 | 596.89 |
Category 1B | 255.78 | 344.51 | 551.09 | 596.89 |
Category 2A | 1,095.30 | 591.82 | 1,573.48 | 986.25 |
Category 2B | 436.85 | 591.82 | 915.04 | 986.25 |
Undesignated Area Standard Fees | ||||
Category 1A | 904.72 | 344.51 | 1,180.01 | 596.89 |
Category 1B | 200.21 | 344.51 | 481.59 | 596.89 |
Category 2A | 1,011.96 | 591.82 | 1,469.24 | 986.25 |
Category 2B | 353.51 | 591.82 | 810.79 | 986.25 |
(c)
in sub-paragraph (8), for “£208.61”
substitute
.“£229.47”
7.
In paragraph 6 (own client work)—
(a)
in sub-paragraph (2)(a), for “£55.14”
substitute
;“£60.65”
(b)
in sub-paragraph (2)(b), for “£52.15”
substitute
;“£57.37”
(c)
in sub-paragraph (3), for “£78.71”
substitute
;“£86.58”
(d)
in sub-paragraph (4), for “£26.23”
substitute
;“£28.85”
(e)
for the table after sub-paragraph (4) substitute—
Work undertaken prior to a determination that an individual is not eligible for criminal legal aid
London (£) | National (£) | |
|---|---|---|
Routine letters written and telephone calls per item | 4.69 | 4.50 |
Preparation hourly rate | 60.65 | 57.37 |
Advocacy (including applications for bail and other applications to the court) hourly rate | 71.96 | 71.96 |
Travelling and waiting hourly rate (only applicable where the undesignated area fees apply) | N/A | 30.36 |
8.
In paragraph 7 (representation in proceedings prescribed as criminal proceedings under section 14(h) of the Act), after sub-paragraph (3) insert—
(4)
The Upper Limits prescribed in this paragraph may be extended upon application in accordance with the 2025 Standard Crime Contract.”.
9.
In paragraph 8 (advice and assistance on an appeal against conviction or sentence or an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission)—
(a)
after “Upper Limit”
insert
;“, which may be extended upon application in accordance with the 2025 Standard Crime Contract,”
(b)
in sub-paragraph (a), for “£314.81”
substitute
;“£346.29”
(c)
in sub-paragraph (b), for “£524.69”
substitute
;“£577.16”
(d)
for the table substitute—
Advice and Assistance on an appeal against conviction or sentence or application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission
London (£) | National (£) | |
|---|---|---|
Routine letters written and routine telephone calls per item | 4.44 | 4.28 |
Preparation hourly rate | 57.37 | 54.14 |
Travel and waiting hourly rate | 30.36 | 30.36 |
10.
In paragraph 10 (representation in the Crown Court on an appeal from a magistrates’ court in proceedings prescribed as criminal proceedings under section 14(h) of the Act),
(a)
after “Upper Limit”
insert
;“, which may be extended upon application in accordance with the 2025 Standard Crime Contract,”
(b)
for “£1,574.06”
substitute
;“£1,731.47”
(c)
for the table substitute—
London (£) | National (£) | |
|---|---|---|
Routine letters written and telephone calls per item | 4.69 | 4.50 |
Preparation hourly rate | 60.65 | 57.37 |
Advocacy hourly rate | 71.96 | 71.96 |
Travelling and waiting hourly rate | 30.36 | 30.36 |
11.
In paragraph 11 (advice and assistance provided pursuant to a determination made under section 15 of the Act in prison law cases)—
(a)
in sub-paragraph (1)—
(i)
for “£200.75”
substitute
;“£248.93”
(ii)
for “£602.25”
substitute
;“£746.79”
(b)
for the table following sub-paragraph (2) (hourly rates for determining whether Escape Fee Threshold reached) substitute—
Hourly rates for determining whether Escape Fee Threshold reached
All areas (£) | |
|---|---|
Routine letters written and routine telephone calls per item | 4.19 |
Preparation hourly rate | 53.07 |
Travel and waiting hourly rate | 29.76 |
(c)
for the two tables following sub-paragraph (3) (hourly rates in Disciplinary Cases and Sentence Cases for determining application of Standard Fees, and Higher and Lower Standard Fees table for Disciplinary Cases and Sentence Cases) substitute—
Hourly rates in Disciplinary Cases and Sentence Cases for determining application of Standard Fees
All areas (£) | |
|---|---|
Routine letters written and routine telephone calls per item | 4.59 |
Preparation hourly rate | 63.54 |
Advocacy hourly rate | 77.23 |
Travel and waiting hourly rate | 29.76 |
Higher and Lower Standard Fees table for Disciplinary Cases and Sentence Cases
Lower Standard Fee (£) | Lower Standard Fee Limit (£) | Higher Standard Fee (£) | Higher Standard Fee Limit (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
252.87 | 442.75 | 699.56 | 2,097.70 |
(d)
for the two tables following sub-paragraph (4) (hourly rates in Parole Board cases for determining application of standard fees and higher and lower standard fees table for Parole Board cases) substitute—
Hourly rates in Parole Board cases for determining application of Standard Fees
All areas (£) | |
|---|---|
Routine letters written and routine telephone calls per item | 4.59 |
Preparation hourly rate | 63.54 |
Advocacy hourly rate | 77.23 |
Travel and waiting hourly rate | 29.76 |
Higher and Lower Standard Fees table for Parole Board cases
Lower Standard Fee (£) | Lower Standard Fee Limit (£) | Higher Standard Fee (£) | Higher Standard Fee Limit (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
542.14 | 1,158.07 | 1,803.51 | 5,409.55 |
12.
In paragraph 12 (payment for assigned counsel)—
(a)
in sub-paragraph (1)—
(i)
for “this paragraph”
substitute
;“Sub-paragraph (2)”
(ii)
omit sub-paragraph (1)(a);
(b)
after the table following sub-paragraph (2), insert—
(3)
The fees payable to Assigned Counsel for representation in a magistrates’ court or youth court are subject to the limits specified in the table following this paragraph.
Payment for Assigned Counsel for representation in a magistrates’ court or youth court
Junior Counsel (£)
King’s Counsel (£)
Basic fee for preparation, including for a pretrial review and, where appropriate, the first day’s hearing including, where they took place on that day, short conferences, consultations, applications and appearances (including bail applications, views and any other preparation)
Maximum amount 540.16
Maximum amount 5,130.84
Refresher daily fee (for any day or part of a day during which a hearing continued, including, where they took place on that day, short conferences, consultations, applications and appearances (including bail applications, views and any other preparation))
Maximum amount 185.96
Maximum amount 342.83
Subsidiary fees
Attendance at consultations, conferences and views not covered by the basic fee or the refresher fee
33.76 per hour - minimum amount 16.76
62.91 per hour - minimum amount 32.32
Written work (on evidence, plea, appeal, cases stated or other written work).
Maximum amount 59.17
Maximum amount 121.20
Attendance at pre-trial reviews, applications and other appearances (including bail applications and adjournments for sentence) not covered by the basic fee or the refresher fee
Maximum amount 108.52
Maximum amount 236.63”
13.
After paragraph 12 insert—
“Allowing fees at less than the prescribed rates13.
(1)
This paragraph applies to representation by a litigator—
(a)
in a magistrates’ court;
(b)
in proceedings relating to an injunction under Part 1 of the 2014 Act or related parenting order in any court;
(c)
in the youth court;
(d)
in proceedings prescribed as criminal proceedings under section 14(h) of the Act in the High Court, the family court or a county court.
(2)
In respect of any item of work, the appropriate officer may allow fees at less than the relevant prescribed rate where it appears to the appropriate officer reasonable to do so having regard to the competence and despatch with which the work was done.
(3)
In this paragraph,
“prescribed rate”has the meaning given in paragraph 14(8) of this Schedule.Allowing fees at more than the prescribed rates14.
(1)
This paragraph applies to representation by a litigator—
(a)
in a magistrates’ court;
(b)
in proceedings relating to an injunction under Part 1 of the 2014 Act or related parenting order in any court;
(c)
in the youth court;
(d)
in proceedings prescribed as criminal proceedings under section 14(h) of the Act in the High Court, the family court or a county court.
(2)
Where this paragraph applies, the appropriate officer may allow fees at more than the prescribed rate, where it appears to the appropriate officer, taking into account all the relevant circumstances of the case, that—
(a)
the work was done with exceptional competence, skill or expertise;
(b)
the work was done with exceptional despatch; or
(c)
the case involved exceptional complexity or other exceptional circumstances.
(3)
Where the appropriate officer considers that any item or class of work should be allowed at more than the prescribed rate, the appropriate officer must apply to that item or class of work a percentage enhancement in accordance with the following provisions of this paragraph.
(4)
In determining the percentage by which fees should be enhanced above the prescribed rate, the appropriate officer must have regard to—
(a)
the degree of responsibility accepted by the fee earner;
(b)
the care, speed and economy with which the case was prepared; and
(c)
the novelty, weight and complexity of the case.
(5)
The percentage above the relevant prescribed rate by which fees for work may be enhanced must not exceed 100%.
(6)
The appropriate officer may have regard to the generality of proceedings to which these Regulations apply in determining what is exceptional within the meaning of this paragraph.
(7)
Fees paid at more than the prescribed rate under this paragraph are subject to any Upper Limits which apply to the relevant Unit of Work.
(8)
In this paragraph,
“prescribed rate”means a prescribed hourly rate or unit fee for routine letters written and telephone calls per item.
Schedule 2 details extensive amendments to Schedule 4 of the Remuneration Regulations, significantly changing fee structures for various criminal legal aid tasks.
Paragraph 1 sets a harmonized Police Station Fixed Fee (£320) and Escape Fee Threshold (£650) for all Police Station Schemes, referencing the 'Standard Crime Contract Guidance for Reporting Crime Lower Work' document (October 2025 version) to define schemes.
Paragraphs 2 and 3 allow that prescribed Upper Limits for work outside police stations and for pre-charge engagement can be extended if applied for under the '2025 Standard Crime Contract.'
Paragraph 4 updates fees for court duty solicitors (both standard and enhanced hourly rates, and fixed fees for virtual court hearings), showing higher rates in London than nationally for some elements.
Paragraph 5 increases rates for representation in magistrates' courts, including hourly rates for preparation and advocacy, and updates the Lower and Higher Standard Fee tables based on Designated/Undesignated Areas and Categories (1A, 1B, 2).
Paragraph 6 similarly updates fees for representation in the youth court, specifying hourly rates and updating the standard fee tables (Categories 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B).
Paragraph 7 updates rates for 'own client work' and work undertaken prior to ineligibility determination, listing new hourly and item rates, with London rates sometimes higher than national rates.
Paragraphs 8, 9, and 10 update financial limits (Upper Limits) for representation in s.14(h) proceedings and advice/representation on appeals/applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, also referencing linkage to the 2025 Standard Crime Contract for possible extensions.
Paragraph 11 substantially increases fixed fees and hourly rates for advice and assistance in prison law cases, updating rates for determining fee thresholds, disciplinary/sentence cases, and Parole Board cases.
Paragraph 12 amends payment rules for assigned counsel in magistrates' and youth courts, setting maximum basic, refresher, subsidiary, and written work fees payable to Junior Counsel and King's Counsel.
Paragraph 13 introduces new provisions (13 and 14) allowing the 'appropriate officer' discretion to allow fees at less than the prescribed rate if work quality was poor (lack of competence/despatch), or at more than the prescribed rate (up to 100% enhancement) if work involved exceptional competence, despatch, complexity, or circumstances.
These rules apply to magistrates' courts, youth courts, Part 1 of the 2014 Act injunctions, and specified s.14(h) proceedings.
Explanatory Note(This note is not part of the Regulations)
Regulation 3 amends regulation 9 of the Criminal Legal Aid (General) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/9) to specify proceedings in the High Court concerning a release decision of the Parole Board referred under section 32ZAA of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 or section 256AZBA of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 as criminal proceedings for the purposes of section 14(h) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10) (“the Act”). Regulation 3 comes into force on 31st December 2025.
These Regulations also amend the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/435) (“the Remuneration Regulations”), which make provision for the remuneration of advice, assistance and representation made available under sections 13, 15 and 16 of the Act.
Regulation 4(2) removes regulation 17A(3) of the Remuneration Regulations, which has prohibited litigators from making a claim for an interim payment in relation to a case committed or sent for trial to the Crown Court on the election of a defendant where a magistrates’ court has determined the case to be suitable for summary trial.
Regulation 4(3) and Schedule 1 make amendments to Schedule 3 to the Remuneration Regulations by increasing certain appeals fees.
Regulation 4(4) and Schedule 2 make amendments to Schedule 4 to the Remuneration Regulations by introducing a harmonised police station fixed fee and escape fee threshold for all Police Station Schemes; increasing magistrates’ court fees; increasing certain appeals fees; and increasing prison law fees.
Paragraph 13 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations adds two provisions into Schedule 4 to the Remuneration Regulations. They make provision for the payment of fees to a litigator at less than or more than the prescribed rate for representation in a magistrates’ court; in the youth court; in proceedings relating to an injunction under Part 1 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014; and in proceedings prescribed as criminal proceedings under section 14(h) of the Act in the High Court, the family court or county court.
Amendments have also been made to provide that certain Upper Limits may be extended upon application in accordance with the 2025 Standard Crime Contract. A hard copy of the 2025 Standard Crime Contract can be obtained free of charge from the Legal Aid Agency, 13th Floor, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ. The 2025 Standard Crime Contract is also available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/standard-crime-contract-2025.
A full impact assessment of the effect that the fee increases will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is produced with the Government’s response to the consultation ‘Criminal Legal Aid: proposals for solicitor fee scheme reform’, available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/criminal-legal-aid-proposals-for-solicitor-fee-scheme-reform. A hard copy of the Government’s response to the consultation can be obtained free of charge from the Legal Aid Policy Team, Access to Justice Directorate, Justice and Courts Policy Group, Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ. A full impact assessment on the remaining amendments in this instrument has not been produced, as no significant impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.
The explanatory note confirms the purpose of amending the 2013 General Regulations to include specific High Court Parole Board review proceedings, effective December 31, 2025.
It highlights that the Remuneration Regulations are amended to increase fees across the board, including social and prison law, establishing harmonized police station fixed fees, and removing the interim payment restriction regarding summary trials.
It also details the new discretionary powers for fee officers to adjust payments based on performance or complexity and directs readers to the 2025 Standard Crime Contract for definitions and extension mechanisms.
Finally, it references the related consultation response for the impact assessment of the fee increases, noting no significant impact was foreseen for the structural amendments.
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