Author Archives: HM Government

Good morning everyone.

We’re now entering the final few days available to the political parties here in Northern Ireland to form an Executive. I’ve had constructive discussions over the last two and a bit weeks with the Irish government and with political parties.

There are a number of issues where I see common ground and where I firmly believe that resolution can be achieved.

But there are other issues that still remain to be resolved in order for an Executive to be formed on Monday. We also have a duty to survivors and victims to come forward with proposals to deal with the past.

I believe that a deal is still achievable – with good will, good spirit and that positive intent.

But time is short.

And we must firmly focus on those key issues to enable an Executive to be formed on Monday. It is that task of work that we are firmly engaged in.

I’ll be working intensively in the coming days to achieve that positive outcome, to see inclusive devolved government restored here in Northern Ireland, that responsibility that we all feel in that regard.

And it is with that intent that we start meetings this morning and I will now head to Stormont Castle.

Thank you very much.

A consultation called ‘Legal aid financial eligibility and universal credit’ is now open and the deadline for responses is 11 May 2017.

The proposals seek to amend the legal aid financial eligibility system to accommodate the expansion of universal credit.

The intention behind the government’s proposals is to limit any additional burden on the legal aid budget rather than cutting costs.

Targeted approach

This would be done by having means testing arrangements that ensure the limited funds available are targeted at those clients most in need.

The consultation proposals also seek to ensure that clients contribute to the costs of their legal advice and representation where they are able to do so.

All providers and interested parties can join in the consultation process by using the link below. This also offers the opportunity to find out more about the proposals.

Further information

Legal aid eligibility and universal credit consultation

Resources are available on GOV.UK to help bring providers up to speed when delivering work under the new 2017 Standard Crime Contract.

These include a welcome pack, training slides and short modules – see link below.

Welcome pack

• overview of 2017 Standard Crime Contract with key contract terms and obligations
• key LAA contacts
• information for new providers
• online submissions for LGFS and AGFS claims through Claim for Crown Defence system

Training modules

There are two short modules to accompany the ‘welcome pack’. These deal with digital and prison law requirements under the contract:

1. ‘2017 Standard Crime Contract – digital requirements’.
2. ‘2017 Standard Crime Contract – prison law’.

Further information

The welcome pack and the 2 further short modules, together with the Standard Terms and Specification, can be accessed via the following link:

2017 Standard Crime Contract – to download welcome pack and view modules.