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University of Bristol Law Clinic |
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Legal Updates Part 26 Case Management 06 April 2009 For claims issued on or after 6 April 2009 the financial limit of the fast track procedure is increased from £15,000 to £25,000.
Powers of Attorney cost reduction takes effect 01 April 2009 The cost of registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) will be cheaper from today, reduced from £150 to £120. The change is in line with a wider review of the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which began last October. The Public Guardian, Martin John, said: “The cost of registering LPAs has been raised by users as a key area of focus. I hope that this reduction will see more people feeling able to take those crucial steps to plan for their future.” At the same time, the administration of the Court of Protection that directs the legal affairs of people lacking the mental capacity to make decisions on their own, will also move from the Office of the Public Guardian to Her Majesty’s Court Service.
Legal aid reform programme 20 March 2009 Legal Aid Minister Lord Bach has given a speech on the legal aid reform programme at the Advice Services Alliance conference in which he has announced that more people will be eligible for civil legal aid. “I'm going to increase the civil eligibility limits by 5% from 6 April 2009. Which will increase the number of people financially eligible for civil legal aid. But I won't be making a similar change to the criminal eligibility limits. Because I believe the eligibility thresholds in the criminal means test remain sensitive to a defendant's actual disposable income and ability to pay legal costs.” Click here for the full contents of Lord Bach’s speech.
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Publications MoJ Alternative Dispute Resolution Annual Pledge Report 2007/08 09 April 2009 - (Report)
During 2007/08, alternative dispute resolution has been used in 374 cases with 271 leading to settlement, saving costs estimated at £26.3 million. This is an improvement on 2006/07. _________ Legal Services Commission Phase 1 Civil Fee Schemes Review Consultation 01 April 2009 - (Consultation Paper) Proposed amendments to Phase 1 Civil Fee Schemes in legal aid following a review as set out in the Deed Of Settlement with The Law Society. More details are available on the Legal Services Commission website.
_________ Legal Services Commission Family Legal Aid Consultation 01 January 2009 - (Consultation Paper) The consultation focuses on plans for two new payment schemes: the Private Law Family Representation Scheme and the Family Advocacy Fee Scheme; and closes midnight 3rd April 2009. More details are available on the Legal Services Commission website. _________ |
