LAA Update Stance on Local Travel

Last month I wrote an article regarding a change of approach from the Legal Aid Agency regarding 'local' travel expenses (travel to and from a Court within a 10 mile radius). The LAA has now confirmed that they will be delaying the change of approach as a result of requests from representative bodies.

The new approach will only apply for Legal Aid Certificates granted from 1st September 2014. The position can be summarised as follows:

Certificates Granted Prior to 1st September 2014:

'Local' travel expenses will not be refused where the only reason for doing so is the proximity to the Court. Usual tests of reasonableness and evidential requirements will apply as with all travel expenses.

Certificates Granted from 1st September 2014:

'Local' travel expenses will not normally be paid.

Appealing Reductions for Local Travel

The LAA have confirmed that if you have had an assessment reduction for local travel expenses and the time limit to appeal has not yet expired then you should submit an appeal in the normal manner, and that they will not be in a position to consider any appeals that are out of time. 

For full details of the LAA update please click here.