Criminal legal aid firms dropping out
Executive figures show fall in number of firms offering criminal legal aid
The number of solicitors’ firms registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board for criminal legal aid work has fallen in the last five years.
Scottish Executive figures released in reply to a parliamentary question from SNP justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill show a drop from 733 in 1999 to 661 in 2004. Fixed fees for summary criminal work were introduced in 1999 and concerns have been expressed that the rates in force make it difficult for firms to continue in this area of work.
By 2002 the number of registered firms had fallen to 663; the number has since levelled out. There are currently 747 firms on the civil legal assistance register introduced on 1 July 2004.
The reply to a separate question from Mr MacAskill discloses that the amount of funding allocated to legal aid (including the administrative costs of the Board) has risen from £125,732,000 in 1999-2000 to £157,020,000 in 2003-2004. The later figure is equivalent to £142,464,000 at 1999 prices.
Current News08.09.08 Andrew Sleigh joins Levy & McRaeInsolvency specialist moves from Burness 08.09.08 Govan LC spreads the word to AfricaMike Dailly on mission to set up continent's first law centre in Cameroon 08.09.08 At least 40 solicitor redundancies since MayHundreds of support staff also go as downturn bites 08.09.08 ID by txt cd b cmngScientists working on identifying senders by analysis of messaging patterns 05.09.08 PM changes tack on tax-raising powersAllowing Scottish Parliament more accountability would strengthen the UK, says Brown 05.09.08 Summary justice reform success, claims AngioliniLord Advocate's letter says figures to date indicate new system working 04.09.08 Advocates in Aberdeen launch new websiteInternet presence aimed at increasing awareness of Society of Advocates in the north east 04.09.08 Legal profession, local income tax top bill listScottish Government unveils legislative programme for 2008-09 04.09.08 Step up to associate for Fife lawyerSue Arrowsmith promoted at Murray Donald Drummond Cook LLP 04.09.08 Prosecution inspectorate publishes annual reportReview pending of new fiscal fine system 03.09.08 Society welcomes Legal Profession BillHopes that bill will provide for alternative business structures for law firms 03.09.08 'No proof that plaques harmful': insurance lawyersIndustry's legal team argue against proposed law extending compensation 03.09.08 Commissioner orders release of tender informationCouncil not justified in claim that Street Outreach documents must be kept secret 02.09.08 Stamp duty break for lower value properties12-month threshold of £175,000 among government moves to buck up housing market |