Written questions, answers and statements

Legal Aid Scheme: Contracts

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Question for Ministry of Justice

UIN 166396, tabled on 10 March 2021

Question

Karl Turner
Labour
Kingston upon Hull East
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many firms of solicitors held a (a) civil and (b) criminal legal aid contract on (i) 1 March 2021 and (ii) 1 March 2020.

Answer

Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons

Answered on

16 March 2021

Please note for the figures provided, firms may have more than one office. There are currently 1,104 firms who hold a Criminal Legal Aid Contract. There are currently 1,445 firms who hold a Civil Legal Aid Contract. This data is correct as at 8 March 2021.

As at March 2020 there were 1,150 firms holding a Criminal Legal Aid Contract, and 1,500 firms holding a Civil Legal Aid Contract.

The Legal Aid Agency frequently reviews market capacity to ensure there is adequate provision around the country and moves quickly to ensure provision where gaps may appear.

Answered by

Ministry of Justice
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