Criminal Proceedings: Finance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, What recent progress he has made on the implementation of £34 million for criminal advocates.
Answered by Sarah Sackman
We have been working to ensure that the up to £34 million per year investment in criminal legal aid advocate fees delivers the greatest possible impact and lasting benefit. It will support the long-term sustainability of the advocate profession while aligning with broader criminal justice reforms.
We intend to launch a consultation shortly, setting out our proposals for this investment. On 3 July 2026, we laid a statutory instrument to invest £3.5 million of this funding in preparatory fees, ensuring that investment reaches the criminal Bar as quickly as possible.
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