GovWire

How it works

Where an individual disagrees with the directors determination that they do not qualify for legal representation or family help (higher), they can apply to an independent funding adjudicator (IFA) or the Special Controls Review Panel (SCRP) for reconsideration of that decision (except where the application is for exceptional cases funding).

Appeals must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the refusal decision.

Special Controls Review Panel

The SCRP is an independent review body made up of practising solicitors and barristers. It sits as a 3 member committee to consider appeals relating to certain high cost cases and other more complex cases.

Appeals and issues referred to the SCRP are considered, without a hearing.

This is unless the panel believes its in the interests of justice for the individual, or LAA, to make oral representations before them. If this happens, you are given a copy of the agenda note and appeal bundle to be placed before the SCRP in advance of the hearing, as well as an opportunity to make further representations.

Review panel arrangements (PDF, 252 KB, 17 pages) sets out the practical arrangements for the appeals process against certain LAA decisions.

Appeals manual

Appeals Manual (PDF, 424 KB, 37 pages) provides guidance for members of the review panel on procedure and decision making.

Appointments to the Review Panel

Review Panel Member appointments are listed in the document below:

Appointment of appeals panel members (PDF, 163 KB, 2 pages)

These are public appointments. Vacancies are advertised periodically. Informal enquiries may be sent to LAA.Review.Panel.Membership@justice.gov.uk

Crime high cost cases

Appeals: crime high cost cases

Contact

Exceptional and Complex Case Team: 0300 200 2020

contactECC@justice.gov.uk