Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Freer and Andrew Western

Tuesday 21st February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mike Freer]

The uplift for solicitors and barristers has already started to be paid. The hon. Gentleman mentions duty solicitors and, as I have said, since the new contract has been in place, we have started to see an increase in the number of people taking on those roles and in firms taking on legal aid, so we are seeing the benefits of the investment in both the litigators’ graduated fee scheme and the advocates’ graduated fee scheme.

On the general investment in legal aid, I am aware of the concerns of the Law Society, with which I am having constructive discussions to try to find a way forward.

[Andrew Western (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

17. What steps his Department is taking to improve processing times for cases involving violent and sexual offences.