In brief
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) says it has received more than 2,200 applications for the new general criminal contract which commences on 14 January 2008—2,171 current providers, as well as 90 new providers, have applied. The LSC says this will ensure “full coverage” of publicly-funded services in police stations and courts in England and Wales, despite earlier fears about a lack of willing providers. The contract includes new fixed fees for police stations and expansion of the Defence Solicitor Call Centre to include own client work. Applicants should be notified this week if their application has been successful.
