Following the MoJ’s response to the consultation paper ‘Criminal Legal Aid: Proposals for Solicitor Fee Scheme Reform’, the statutory instrument (SI) introducing the changes to the Litigators’ Graduated Fee Scheme (LGFS) has been laid today and will come into effect for cases with a representation order dated on or after 3 March 2026.
What will the increases be?
The SI introduces the following changes:
- a fixed ratio of 65:75:100 between guilty plea, cracked trial, and trial basic fees
- an uplift to the basic fees for offence types E, F, G, H and I of approximately one third
- an increase of 10% for appeals work, against sentence or conviction from a magistrates’ court
Why is this happening now?
The Government launched a consultation in May 2025 to seek views on how an additional £92 million a year for criminal legal aid solicitors should be invested. After considering all responses, ministers have decided to prioritise measures that will best support the sustainability of the criminal legal aid market now, and in the future.
Where can I find out more?
Details of the new rates can be found in the below links. The LGFS calculator will be updated in due course.
Further information
The Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
The Government’s response to consultation on Proposals for Solicitor Fee Scheme Reform