Crime news: update to CA1 form for court appointee claims

A new CA1 form (v5) is now available following a review of hourly rates for court appointed cross-examination advocacy work on behalf of unrepresented defendants.

Why is this happening now?

We amended the form after increases to the guideline hourly rates under sections 36 and 38 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. This followed a request from the Law Society.

The rates will apply to claims made with the CA1 form, along with full travel and waiting rates where appropriate.

Providers will still be expected to justify their claims. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Timescales for new rates

You must use the new form to claim the increased rates, which apply to court appointments made on or after 1 October 2021. For all other claims, you must use the new form from 1 April 2022.

Providers who have had eligible claims reduced based on the hourly rate can request a redetermination from the Criminal Case Unit, which assesses the claims – see below.

Further information

Court appointee: magistrates’ court and crown court claims (CA1) – to download new CA1 form

courtappointee@justice.gov.uk – mailbox to request redetermination from Criminal Cases Unit

Claims paid out of central funds – claims dealt with by the Criminal Cases Unit