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The site was last updated on 23/02/2001

Picture of Steve Orchard CBE - Chief Executive

The Legal Services Commission is a new executive non-departmental public body created under the Access to Justice Act 1999 to develop and administer two schemes in England and Wales:

The Community Legal Service, which replaces the old civil scheme of legal aid, bringing together networks of funders (eg Local Authorities) and suppliers into partnerships to provide the widest possible access to information and advice.

The Criminal Defence Service which will from April 2001 replace the old system of criminal legal aid and provide criminal services to people accused of crimes.

The creation of the Commission is an important step in the Lord Chancellor's programme of reform for publicly funded legal services. It is vital that we take every opportunity to communicate what we are doing and how it will impact on the public and those who serve them, directly or indirectly. I hope that you will find the information on our website useful.

eBusiness: In edition 32 of our newsletter "Focus" we announced the expansion of our electronic data transfer pilot "SPAN EDI". The Legal Services Commission is committed to using e-commerce, as we are convinced that it will assist us, and those who do business with us, by enhancing the services provided and reducing administrative costs. Contracted civil suppliers may register to participate in this pilot, via the eBusiness section of this site.

Those suppliers committed to making this pilot a success will be pleased to know we intend to extend this service into criminal work just as soon as we are able. Further information will be published in Focus and on this site.


Latest Updates

Introduction of the Criminal Defence Services:Merseyside Regional Office

Report on the Findings of the LSRC Equal Opportunities Survey 2000

Issue 1 of the CLSP Newsletter now available

Proposed Amendments to the Funding Code Procedures and Decision Making Guidance on Family Mediation

Guidance on the Quality Mark Standard for Outreach advice Consultation

Criminal Rates announced by Lord Chancellor

Criminal Defence Service Forms

The Lord Chancellor's Department has issued a Press Notice regarding the implementation of the proposed Family Graduated Fees

FOCUS: Issue 33 - January 2001

FOCUS on CDS: Issue 2 - February 2001


Latest Press Releases

Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) Welcomes LSC Report

Legal Services Commission Invites Tenders for Telephone Specialist Legal Advice Services

Legal Services Commission Publishes Family Mediation Research



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