https://www.slab.org.uk/guidance/advice-and-assistance-non-templated-increases/
https://www.slab.org.uk/guidance/advice-and-assistance-non-templated-increases/
This page includes information on how to apply for non-templated increases in expenditure under civil A&A. It covers the information you should provide us with; case-related factors to address in your application; the process for reconsideration of refused increases; the process for urgently needed increases; whether authority for retrospective increases is available; and other guidance you may wish to consider.
If there is no template for the matter you want an increase for, you must give us:
We will refuse the request or grant a smaller increase if we are not persuaded that the increase sought is reasonable. We may impose conditions on the advice and assistance and limit the subject matter dealt with.
We have created a tool that provides guidance on the information we need to consider increases for certain types of case if you are not using a template.
If you are not using a template, your application for an increase (in order to advise your client on how to take steps in instituting, conducting or defending proceedings or to help them take those steps) should address factors such as:
In dealing with a request for an increase, we will look at each case on its own merits. We do not give a particular category of case a set limit however, do not always expect to get an increase to the level you ask for.
If we refuse a request for an increase, you can submit a reconsideration. If you requested an urgent decision on the increase, then your reconsideration will be treated as urgent. If not and you need an urgent decision, please call the team to advise them of the urgency.
If it becomes clear that we will not grant any further increases and you have reached the limit of the authorised expenditure, you should tell your client that advice and assistance has ended. Your client will have to pay for any further work privately.
In some situations, you must send us supporting documentation before we can consider a request, and these include:
You must give us all available details in support of an application for an increase.
If the matter is extremely urgent, you can ask for an increase by telephoning our Advice and Assistance Increases Unit. Outwith normal office hours, you can call 0771 1424 344. Where we grant an increase by telephone, you should follow this up by submitting an online increase application, indicating that this was granted by telephone as soon as possible.
Increases are not retrospective in their effect. If you do work that exceeds the limit in force before an increase is granted, we will abate charges for that work from any account you later send us.
We cannot, in terms of the Act and regulations, retrospectively grant an increase in authorised expenditure under advice and assistance. In the case of Drummond & Co. -v- Scottish Legal Aid Board 1992 SC (HL)1, the House of Lords accepted that our prior approval was required.