Updates to the Criminal Bills Assessment Manual (CBAM) and the Supervisor Guidance will come into force on 31 July 2026, impacting the Crime Contract significantly.
Enhancements to Prison Law Funding
In a bid to refine the framework surrounding prison law funding, tailored modifications have been introduced. These adjustments stem from collaborative discussions with the Association of Prison Lawyers (APL) and aim to offer enhanced clarity and practical guidance for both legal providers and Legal Aid Agency (LAA) caseworkers. The revised Prison Law chapter now includes comprehensive guidance on the Parole Board process and other fundamental issues pertinent to prison law.
Additionally, the updates are designed to alleviate the administrative workload faced by providers. The amendments span all categories of criminal legal aid and specifically address remuneration for administrative tasks, such as the completion of forms and other interactions with the LAA. By aligning the guidance for criminal legal aid more closely with that of civil legal aid, the changes promote consistency across both sectors.
Revised Cost Assessment Principles
Significant amendments have also been made to the general principles within CBAM concerning the assessment of costs related to telephone calls and correspondence. These revisions are poised to have a broader impact on all criminal legal aid cases. Drawing on terminology used in civil guidance, the aim is to establish a consistent approach across different legal aid categories.
Updates to Supervisor Guidance
The supervision guidance has been enhanced with the inclusion of sections derived from the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) advice on effective supervision. These updates reflect the changes implemented by the SRA on 12 June 2026, in response to the Court of Appeal ruling in the case of CILEX and others v Mazur and others.
Rationale Behind the Changes
The impetus for these changes is rooted in discussions with key representative bodies, focusing on operational enhancements that can deliver tangible benefits to providers, especially concerning prison law. These amendments are set to take effect on 31 July 2026, marking a significant step towards improving the legal framework.
Additional Resources
For further information, stakeholders can refer to the updated Criminal Bills Assessment Manual and the guidelines on Supervisor Requirements and Effective Supervision, as well as the Standard Crime Contract 2025.
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