Q&A: Legal aid changes

Minister Vera Baird has denied the proposals are a cost-cutting exercise

Solicitors are protesting against government plans to shake up the way they get legal aid funding.

What is being proposed?

Instead of the current system of hourly rates, payments will be made to lawyers on the basis of a whole case and work completed.

The Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA) maintains that hourly rates provide no incentive for cases to be concluded swiftly and can reward the inefficient.

It says the reforms will encourage the effective running of the justice system by rewarding well-run cases.

Why are they changing the system?

To make "best use" of taxpayers' money, the government says.

The proposals follow an investigation by Lord Carter into the increasing costs of the system.

The government has said it wants to see an end to barristers getting £1 million a year from legal aid.

So is the government simply trying to save money?

Minister Vera Baird says the plans are "not a cost-cutting exercise".

"Our legal aid system is the best in the world and the best-funded in the world, costing each taxpayer £100 per year - much more than in any other country," she said.

Who will decide which solicitors take on which cases?

When firms have adjusted to fixed fees, the Legal Services Commission will invite tenders for bundles of cases.

It says law firms will bid for work at a price that will make them a profit, while local market forces will ensure best value for the taxpayer.

Are there any exceptions?

Domestic violence work, which is often needed urgently for personal protection, and all "particularly complex" family and civil cases will continue to be paid for by the hour.

When will the changes be introduced?

Fixed fees will start at some magistrates' courts in April 2007.

Most other fixed fee work will be introduced from October 2007.

Competitive tendering for criminal legal aid work is due to start in October 2008.