The Department of Justice is seeking views on proposals to increase fees paid to solicitors and barristers for legal aid services.
The proposals are one of the first steps in the Enabling Access to Justice Reform Programme, which aims to improve justice delivery and ensure everyone – particularly the most vulnerable – has access to tailored systems, support, advice and representation.
The Minister said: “High-quality advice and representation is critical to securing justice, and fair and proportionate remuneration is vital to ensure the continued availability of high-quality advice and representation.
“The proposals I am announcing today are the first step in ensuring the continued viability of the justice system.
“They follow recommendations of the Fundamental Review of Legal Aid which I commissioned His Honour Judge Burgess to lead. The Review recognised there is more work to do but the proposals I am consulting on today are an important step in ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the justice system.
“The viability of the legal profession is not dependent on fees alone, nor is it solely a matter for the Department, but I am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure citizens have access to quality legal services.
“That means fair payment for work undertaken. I have listened to the concerns of the legal profession. It is clear fees need to be reset, and I am taking action, and taking action at pace.”
The Minister concluded: “The proposed fee increases represent a significant additional investment of £9.892million per year in the justice system. That is over and above the £114million already secured for legal aid this year following an equivalent spend last year.
“As part of the wider reform programme, the additional investment will help ensure the system is sustainable now and well into the future.”
The public consultation will be open until March 27, 2025 and everyone is being encouraged to have their say – Public Consultation on proposals for enhanced remuneration for providers of legal services – NI Direct – Citizen Space
