We are extending the 2017 Standard Crime Contract by 12 months to 31 March 2022.
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) also intends to undertake a procurement process next year for new crime contracts.
A headline intentions document is available on GOV.UK informing providers about the extension.
Why is this happening?
The 2017 Standard Crime Contract is approaching the end of its term in 2022 and we therefore need to take steps to procure a replacement contract.
We are making this announcement following the publication of the Criminal Legal Aid Review (CLAR) consultation response on a series of accelerated measures. That document also sets out the next steps for the wider review, including priority work focusing on a review of crime lower fee schemes, and we are therefore taking this approach to best align our contract activity with the forthcoming work of the CLAR.
