Confirmed Changes to High Costs Care Cases from October 2015
Further to our previous update in relation to upcoming changes to VHCC care matters, the Legal Aid Agency have now confirmed that high costs care cases with one advocate or solicitor-advocates will, in most cases, be dealt with using a revised CCFS ‘events’ model from October 2015.
The current position:
The Care Case Fee Scheme (CCFS) is already in operation as an option for work carried out by advocates and solicitor-advocates. However there is currently also the option to submit a traditional fully costed case plan.
The changes:
The option to submit a fully costed case plan will not normally be available from 01 October 2015. The only exception will be if you can show you would be paid at least 30% more by claiming hourly rates with a case plan rather than using the CCFS model. This will need to be for justified reasons and include any enhancement under a fully costed case plan.
The way Two Counsel cases are dealt with will remain unchanged.
Training modules will be available from 28 August 2015 on the LAA provider training website. In addition, you will be able to trial the new form and online calculator, but these should not be used for claims before 1 October 2015.
Further updates will be provided as the information becomes available. For assistance with your High Costs cases to include registering your matter, selecting the appropriate model and preparing your Case Plans, please do not hesitate to contact your local John M Hayes Office.
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