Scottish Government Announces Additional Support for Legal Aid Solicitors Affected by Covid-19

The Scottish Government has announced that additional assistance worth up to £20m will be made available to legal aid solicitors whose activities have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Figures released by the Scottish Legal Aid Board show that legal aid fees paid to solicitors during the period from the start of March to early December 2020 are down by 20% compared to the equivalent period in 2019.  This is largely due to the disruption in the Court systems brought about by the pandemic.

The additional support is intended to help make up for the shortfall and will consist of:

• an uplift of 10% in legal aid fees over the next two years
• grants totalling up to £9m to be made available to solicitors and Law Centres who have seen a loss of legal aid income as a result of the pandemic
• a reform of fees for certain types of work

These measures are in addition to a scheme which was previously announced to assist funding up to 40 trainees in legal aid firms.

https://www.gov.scot/news/supporting-the-legal-profession/

The information in this blog provides only an overview of Scottish Government guidance and legislation in force at the date of publication and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed Scottish Government guidance and legislation or seeking professional advice.  Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this blog can be accepted by the firm.

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