Covid-19: New streamlined procedures for submitting interim accounts for Solemn Criminal & Children’s proceedings

We are pleased to confirm that the necessary system changes have been made and with effect from 1 July 2020, you will no longer require to upload any account in support of your interim fee claim.

This is possible because the new legislative powers we previously advised we would be seeking will allow us to pay a proportion of accounts without the need for a full account, subject to provisions that will allow for recovery of any overpayments.

You will now simply require to provide details of the value of the fees that have been incurred to date. The system will automatically calculate the 100% sum that will be authorised for payment.

This new streamlined procedure will operate until the expiry of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.

It brings Criminal and Children’s legal aid accounts into line with Civil (Schedule 5 detailed fees) claims.

You should follow this step by step civil guidance to make your Solemn Criminal or Children’s interim claim.

For more information

If you have any queries on the update, please contact:

Eileen Grant, Assistant Manager Accounts – grantei@slab.org.uk