On Prior Authority 

This is a must read case for care lawyers. This para stood out. As the point seemed to me an important one, I offered, through my clerk. to allow the LSC to be represented at the hearing. I was, accordingly, considerably surprised on 9 May that not only was the LSC not represented, but that […]

Helpful 

A delegate on last weeks Webinar asked me about the meaning of “investigation” at Question C.6.i of the PQQ. They subsequently sought clarification and expansion of this and have just received the following reply; Thank you for your message. Questions C.6.i applies to investigations being undertaken by the Applicant Organisation’s regulatory body.

24-Hour Bar 

The issue of Duty Solicitor “employment” is one we have had to deal with a couple of times recently. In this Crimeline Updater Andrew Keogh comes at the question from a slightly different angle. This is well worth a read if for no other reason than to conjour up images of Barristers, at the Police […]

Communication Breakdown 

You will not be able to reach Andy on his mobile today (and perhaps for a couple of days). In the meantime please ring either Simon or the Office and we will convey messages to him.

PRG 

There is a whole series of Q&As from the recent Provider Reference Group meeting(s) available on the LSC Website. I do not have time to read and summarise right now but will try to over the next couple of days (though this is looking increasingly unlikely given deadlines and the Bid Round). If you read […]

Profit from Divorce 

Some years ago I was invited to join a chat between an IFA and a Regional Bank manager about financial products for the funding of Ancillary Relief disputes. It is this which is discussed in this post. (In Legal Aid terms Divorce is a Legal Help matter worth a fixed fee of £146 in most […]

Technology Update 

Progress towards digital working in the CJS is, apparently, progressing. I have just had a quick scan of the FAQ. Given our experience of the readiness of suppliers with regard to e-working, and the track record of the LSC etc., this may well prove optimistic.

Procurement Round Week 2 

We will be running a repeat of the Procurement webinar this Friday for those who missed it. Essentially it will provide all the background information required and take you on a virtual tour of the E-portal. Meanwhile we are beginning in earnest in the completion of bids from this morning – for further info contact […]

Release Me 

I have done new releases for the last few weeks, this is a little older, both the recording and the song. Long term readers will know that I love Lyle Lovett, here he does another great take on a classic song with K D Laing. It is the title track of his most recent CD.

CDS News 

There is a little flurry of “news” items over at the LSC website this morning. There is some written guidance on the the definition of PPE, an indication that they will be paying less in travel disbursements under the CCLF and a “simplification” to the CDS 14 re means. You can read the greater detail […]