05 May 2020
The Legal Aid Agency has amended its arrangements for hardship claims
As of 1 May, it will make advance payments for the minimum future payment on the claim as well as for work done on a Crown court case. The criteria are that the practitioner has spent at least one month on the case, is unlikely to be paid in the next three months, is likely to suffer financial hardship and is claiming for at least £450, not including VAT.
It will not be necessary to submit bank statements or other evidence, as there is a presumption of hardship in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advance payments will be deducted from the final claim.
The Criminal Bar Association is advising its members to ‘keep logs for wasted preparation claims’.
