We published guidance in August 2014 on the funding of forensic science laboratory charges for crime work.
This sets out that appropriate charges levied upon the defence by prosecution forensic science laboratories may be payable by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
The LAA will consider paying these charges where we:
- consider the charge to be reasonable
- have granted prior authority to incur the cost
The guidance provides a list of activities that must not be claimed from the LAA.
It also explains that payment for such services will be made in line with the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.