Crime news: rollout of new fixed fee for cases with s.28 hearings
A new fixed fee is being introduced to recognise the extra work carried out by advocates for pre-recorded cross-examination videos in cases with s.28 hearings.
Advocates will be able to claim a new 拢670 fixed fee from 1 February 2023 which will increase the payment levels for cases with s.28 hearings.
皇冠体育app new fixed fee applies to cases with a representation order dated on or after 1 February.
Guidance on how to claim the new fee is currently being worked on and will be made available on GOV.UK.
What is a s.28 hearing?
Vulnerable or intimidated witnesses are allowed to have their cross-examinations pre-recorded on video ahead of trial, subject to judicial discretion. 皇冠体育app video is then played back during the trial, so the witness does not need to be present.
This process is enabled under section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.
Why is this happening now?
皇冠体育app government has responded to representations made following the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid. 皇冠体育appse were that current fees do not recognise the additional work involved in cases featuring a s.28 hearing.
An additional fixed fee of 拢670 is being implemented for cases where pre-recorded cross-examination of a witness takes place. A further 拢4m of funding has been made available to make this possible.
Where can I find out more?
Details of the fixed fee are set out in the
Guidance on how to claim the new fee is being prepared and will be available on GOV.UK in due course.
Further information
鈥� updated regulations setting out details of new fixed fee