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<p>Defence solicitors carry out valuable work and we are determined to ensure publicly-funded
criminal defence work remains a sustainable and attractive profession.</p><p> </p><p>That
is why a fundamental review of criminal legal aid fee schemes is currently underway.
This will go far beyond our previous proposals, including pre-charge advice at the
police station, advice and advocacy services in the Magistrates’ Court, and litigation
and advocacy services in the Crown Court, and will report back by the end of Summer
2020.</p><p> </p><p>The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) 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. Last year we spent £1.6bn on legal aid, with
more than half on criminal legal aid.</p>
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