Legal Aid Agency
We are making resources available on GOV.UK to help providers when delivering work under the new 2022 Standard Crime Contract.
These include a welcome pack which explains the contents of the 2022 Standard Crime Contract and gives support for new providers.
What resources can providers access?
- 2022 crime contract specification and standard terms
- provider welcome pack
- new versions of guidance
Where can I view contract changes?
The 2022 crime contract includes changes and updates in a range of areas. These are detailed in the Standard Crime Contract 2022 available for download on GOV.UK. The specification changes include:
- duty solicitor engagement requirements section 6
- pre-charge engagement section 9.113-9.137
- gang injunctions and associated civil work section 13.47-13.53
- committal proceedings in civil court venues section 10.193 10.199
Length of contract
The new 2022 contract governing the provision of criminal legal aid services takes effect from 1 October 2022 for a period of one year. It is subject to extensions of up to 2 years.
Amended forms and guidance
Minor amendments have been made to the following forms and guidance documents to include relevant 2022 Standard Crime Contract references:
- Criminal Bills Assessment Manual
- Criminal Legal Aid Manual
- CWA codes guidance (guidance for reporting crime lower work)
- Crown Court fee guidance
- CRM2 application for advice and assistance form
- CRM7 non-standard fee contract work assessment form
Further information
Standard Crime Contract 2022 welcome pack
Standard Crime Contract 2022 specification
Standard Crime Contract 2022 standard terms
Criminal Bills Assessment Manual
CWA codes guidance (guidance for reporting crime lower work)
CRM2 application for advice and assistance form
CRM7 non-standard fee contract work assessment form
Criminal Legal Aid Review MOJ consultation hub