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To bolster capacity in immigration and housing law, we consulted on significant increases to civil legal aid fees for this work. After considering the responses, we have decided to uplift the rates paid for all forms of housing and immigration legal aid work. The hourly rate in these sectors will increase to a minimum of 拢65.35/拢69.30 per hour (non-London/London), alongside a proportional increase for fixed fees. Overall spending in these categories will increase by 24% and 30% respectively. This represents a significant investment 鈥� the first since 1996 - an increase of 拢20 million a year once fully implemented. Crucially, this will allow individuals to resolve issues at an earlier stage.

Taken together, this investment will help us support the immigration system and housing sectors and begin to rebuild a more stable and sustainable legal aid sector 鈥� one that is fit for the future, and attracts and retains the brightest and the best practitioners. The Government intends to lay a Statutory Instrument (SI) to amend the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 to reflect the decisions made on fee changes. Consequential amendments will also be made to the 2024 Standard Civil Contract in relation to the housing and immigration categories of law. The uplifts to immigration and housing legal aid fees will commence on specified dates which will be aligned with the necessary digital and operational changes required. Immigration fee changes will come into force first, followed by housing. Fee increases will be applied to all new certificates or determinations made after the specified commencement dates.

We have also carefully reviewed the responses to our questions around office and remote advice requirements in the Standard Civil Contract. Using this evidence, we will continue to consider these issues, review the Standard Civil Contract in these areas and consider next steps to ensure that we support clients and providers as effectively as possible in the civil legal aid system.