The LAA has announced that it will open tenders in December for contracts in actions against the police, clinical negligence and public law. Contracts will run from November 2015.
It has published a headline intentions document. It confirms that it will be a non-competitive process, with all applicants meeting the tender requirements being awarded a contract. The requirements will include:
- Lexcel or SQM held by contract start date
- Supervisor:caseworker ratio of 1:4, with an amended clinical negligence supervisor standard
- 7 procurement areas rather than the existing 12.
Matter starts in clinical negligence will be unrestricted. In actions against the police and public law, there will be two lots. Bidders in the lower lot will be guaranteed the matter starts they bid for. Bidders in the higher lot (for which there will be additional requirements) will be allocated at least the minimum volume for the lot.
Legal Aid Handbook 