Bristol providers invited to join a pilot to simplify certificated work processes in certain family proceedings have until 15 September to respond.
The pilot scheme is due to start on Monday 25, September 2017 and those providers invited have been contacted directly.
The scheme will involve legal aid certificates being granted with a wider limitation for scope or costs restrictions.
This will allow providers to free up administrative time currently spent collating and submitting evidence before they can carry out work.
Why are we doing this?
We want to reduce the paper burden for providers because this will allow them to act more quickly for clients and spend less time having to contact us for further information.
There will be no changes to fee schemes, claimable work or Legal Aid Agency (LAA) evidence requirements and no impact on court proceedings.
It just means evidence LAA needs to see can be submitted when proceedings are concluded rather than upfront.
More time for complex work
An added benefit is that our caseworkers will have more time to spend on complex applications and providing a quality service.