Interest levy opposed by Bar Council

Kirsty Brimelow KC, Bar chair, said: ‘There is no consultation on whether to introduce this scheme, only on how to do so.’

The Bar warned the Interest on Lawyers’ Client Account Scheme (ILCA) would adversely impact low-margin cases and urged the MoJ to exclude legal aid firms as well as funds managed for clients who lack capacity or clients’ damages, particularly since the latter could undermine the basis on which damages are calculated.