 |
answer text |
<p>The Government is clear that there are sufficient solicitors to undertake criminal
legal aid-funded cases and will make sure this continues to be the case. The Legal
Aid Agency monitors capacity across criminal legal aid contracts on a regular basis
and takes action to ensure there is ongoing availability of criminal legal advice
for the public.</p><p> </p><p>The 2017 tender for crime contracts resulted in a greater
number of offices being awarded a criminal legal aid contract, providing sufficient
coverage in each local authority area. The Government is also beginning a review of
all criminal legal aid fee schemes, including the criminal duty solicitor fee scheme,
in January 2019.</p>
|
 |
