SRA publishes guidance for criminal legal aid contract applicants
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published guidance to support applicants tendering for criminal legal aid services contracts.
The guidance covers key considerations firms need to keep in mind when applying for Own client contracts and Duty Provider Crime Contracts. The advice covers:
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Firms’ responsibilities relating to notification and authorisation requirements
- Risks associated with information security and IT
Crispin Passmore, SRA Executive Director added: “Firms should consider carefully the information published by the Legal Aid Agency. Those firms not submitting a tender or failing to secure a contract need to think about the impact on their clients and their firms. If there is going to be significant impact, we urge you to make contact with us sooner rather than later.”
Go to the guidance.
This guidance should be read in conjunction with the information for applicants that has been issued by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
Go to the information for applicants.
The LAA has set up a helpline to help applicants with using the eTendering system – it can be contacted by email on LAATenderHelpdesk@ventura-uk.com or by telephone between 9:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday on 03330 037060.
Source: SRA
