Thank you for contacting me about this important issue.
Unfortunately, due to urgent parliamentary business, I could not attend this debate.
However, I take note of your concerns about barrister pay. I am pleased that the Criminal Bar Association has accepted the Government’s new pay deal. As you will know, a planned 15 percent fee increase for criminal barristers will now apply to the vast majority of cases currently in the Crown Court.
The Ministry of Justice will make £3 million of funding available for case preparation like written work and special preparation. A further £4 million will be allocated to defence barristers involved in pre-recorded cross-examinations, which are used to reduce the trauma of a trial for vulnerable victims and witnesses.
The Ministry of Justice is also proposing a £5 million uplift per year for fees in the youth court, from the 2024/25 financial year, expected to benefit both solicitors and some junior barristers.
An Advisory Board on Criminal Legal Aid reform will hold its first meeting in October, to discuss future proposals to improve the system for legal professionals and victims in a constructive way.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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