Summary
The Department of Justice has launched a consultation on proposals to reform the framework for the assessment of legal aid costs subject to taxation.
Documents
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform Consultation
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform Consultation - Annex 3
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform - Pre-Consultation engagement - Annex 4
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform Consultation - Impact Assessment Screener
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform Consultation - Human Rights Impact Assessment
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform Consultation - Equality Impact Assessment
- Legal Aid Taxation Reform Consultation - Rural Needs Impact Assessment
Consultation description
We are seeking your views on proposals to establish a revised framework for the assessment of legal aid costs subject to taxation by setting remuneration rates for the legal profession working on those cases, which the Taxing Master will then apply when assessing costs. Taxation Reform is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and budgetary control for what amounts to approximately £30m of legal aid expenditure each year.
The proposals set out in this consultation paper cover:
- Legal aid rates and fees for solicitors and barristers providing representation for Civil Legal Services and Criminal Defence Services in the High Court and Court of Appeal;
- Documenting work and the submission of bills; and
- Criteria for the enhancement of legal aid rates.
We welcome your views on the proposals within the consultation document. We would encourage you to respond using the ‘Respond online’ button below, which will take you to the Citizen Space website.
The consultation will run for a period of eight weeks from Monday 26 October to 21 December 2026. All responses should be submitted by 5pm on Monday 21 December 2026.
Consultation on the impact assessments and screening will run for 12 weeks until 18 January 2027.
Ways to respond
Department of Justice
Block 5, Knockview Building
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SJ