By Lucy Caulkett-
The criminal bar has struck a deal with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in its longstanding campaign for higher fees. A planned walkout scheduled for 1 July is now likely to be cancelled. Criminal barristers who had voted for the walk out on July 1 are now likely to suspend the planned strike.
The CPS today expressed its commitment to transforming our criminal justice system , confirming that it had been working alongside the bar to achieve a productive change . Both the Crown Prosecution Service and the Ministry of Justice have commissioned comprehensive evidenced-based reviews into their fee schemes. The new arrangements will see fixed fees raised to the level of the Advocates’ Graduated Fees Scheme (AGFS) from September.
The accelerated package plans comes after the Ministry Of Justice said it recognised the ongoing concerns of the profession and was commits to accelerating its consideration of key elements of its Criminal Legal Aid Review in recognition of immediate priorities for the Bar, the solicitors’ profession and defence practitioners more widely.
Chair of the CBA Chris Henley QC said: ‘We welcome the government’s commitment to deal immediately and comprehensively with historic deficiencies in remuneration levels for prosecution advocacy and fee payment guidance for a wide range of routine situations, and for standard fees generally.’
A government spokesperson said: ‘We began engaging with all levels of legal professionals several months ago as part of our review into criminal legal aid fees. The CPS has also worked closely with barristers since launching its comprehensive review of prosecution fees and will continue to do so through the remainder of the review.
‘It is therefore only sensible to refocus on areas where professionals have expressed pressing concerns. We understand the strength of feeling that remains, however, and are committed to working with the sector to further support and strengthen the profession.’