2008 No. 251
The Advice and Assistance (Limits, Conditions and Representation) (Scotland) Regulations 2008
Made
Coming into force
The Scottish Ministers make the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 9, 11(2) and 36(2)(b)1 of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 19862 and all other powers enabling them to do so.
In accordance with section 37(2) of that Act, a draft of this instrument has been laid before and approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
Citation and commencement1
These Regulations may be cited as the Advice and Assistance (Limits, Conditions and Representation) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 and come into force on 30th June 2008.
Financial limit2
1
The Advice and Assistance (Financial Limit) (Scotland) Regulations 19933 are amended as follows.
2
In regulation 3–
a
in paragraph (a), omit sub paragraph (ii) and the “and” immediately preceding it;
b
in paragraph (b), omit sub paragraph (iii) and the “and” immediately preceding it;
c
after paragraph (b) insert–
c
in other cases–
i
where the advice and assistance relates to a criminal matter as regards which a summary complaint has been served, the sum of £90;
ii
where the advice and assistance relates to a criminal matter as regards which a fixed penalty, compensation or work offer has been made under section 302, 302A or 303ZA of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 19954, and the offer or any resulting measure occurring under that section is to be challenged (including by non-acceptance of the offer or by disputing whether the offer has been accepted), the sum of £90;
iii
where the advice and assistance relates to any other summary criminal matter, the sum of £35;
iv
where in relation to criminal proceedings before a stipendiary magistrate, or the sheriff sitting summarily, the assistance by way of representation is as described in regulation 6(1) or (2) of the Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Regulations 20035, or regulation 6A of those Regulations otherwise than in connection with a plea of not guilty, the sum of £550;
v
where in relation to criminal proceedings in the justice of the peace court (other than before a stipendiary magistrate) the assistance by way of representation is as described as referred to in sub paragraph (iv) above, the sum of £185;
vi
where the assistance by way of representation relates to any other summary criminal matter, the sum of £90;
vii
where the advice and assistance or assistance by way of representation relates to a solemn criminal matter, the sum of £90;
viii
despite sub paragraphs (vi) and (vii), where the assistance by way of representation involves a second or subsequent diet that has been ordered by the court, the sum of £165;
ix
where the assistance by way of representation relates to Parole Board proceedings, the sum of £165.
3
In regulation 4, sub paragraphs (i) and (iii) of paragraph (a) and the “or” immediately following each of them are revoked.
Financial conditions3
In regulation 7 of the Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 20086–
a
in paragraph (1), omit “by way of a diagnostic interview and the work undertaken is made up solely of a diagnostic interview”;
b
after paragraph (1) insert–
1A
In relation to a criminal matter, the reference in paragraph (1) above to advice and assistance is reference to advice and assistance to which the sum specified in paragraph 3(c)(iii) of the Advice and Assistance (Financial Limit) (Scotland) Regulations 19937 applies.
1B
In relation to a civil matter, the reference in paragraph (1) above to advice and assistance is reference to advice and assistance by way of a diagnostic interview where the work undertaken is made up solely of a diagnostic interview.
c
in paragraph (2)–
i
after “apply” insert “in relation to a civil matter”;
ii
for “a matter” substitute “the matter”.
Assistance by way of representation4
1
The Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Regulations 20038 are amended as follows.
2
In regulation 6–
a
after paragraph (1)(b) insert–
ba
at any diet to which the case has been adjourned under section 145 of the 1995 Act;
b
in paragraph (2)–
i
after sub paragraph (a) insert “or”;
ii
omit sub paragraph (c) and the “or” immediately preceding it.
3
In regulation 6A–
a
in paragraph (1), for “a sheriff court which has been designated as a summary justice pilot court by the sheriff principal” substitute “any court”;
b
after paragraph (1) insert–
1A
Except where paragraph (1D) below applies, an appointed solicitor is the only person who–
a
may provide the assistance by way of representation described in paragraph (1) above;
b
is entitled to any fees attributable to the provision of that representation.
1B
However, the provision of that representation by an appointed solicitor may be effected, from the appearance from custody onwards, through the services of another solicitor (except the duty solicitor) where–
a
the other solicitor is expressly authorised by the appointed solicitor; and
b
the services of the other solicitor are required in circumstances where the appointed solicitor cannot reasonably attend because of–
i
illness or incapacity;
ii
the arising (since instruction in relation to the appearance) of a professional obligation to act (in person) in another case that is to call elsewhere at or around the same time; or
iii
another good reason.
1C
Paragraph (1D) below applies where an appointed solicitor is not available to act immediately (whether in person or through the services of another solicitor under paragraph (1B) above) for the purpose of providing the assistance by way of representation described in paragraph (1) above.
1D
Where this paragraph applies, the duty solicitor is the only person who may provide the representation under the Act in relation to the appearance from custody (and, accordingly, no other person is entitled to any fees attributable to the provision of that representation).
1E
In this regulation, an “appointed solicitor” is a solicitor–
a
with whom the person appearing in answer to the complaint has (or has had) a solicitor and client relationship that is demonstrable by reference to circumstances apart from those relating solely to the appearance; and
b
who is instructed directly by that person for the purposes of that person’s representation.
4
Regulation 6B is omitted.
5
In regulation 7–
a
for paragraphs (1) and (2) substitute–
2A
The assistance by way of representation described in regulation 6(1) above is to be provided under Part II of the Act only if the solicitor to whom the application has been made is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice for the assistance to be provided.
2B
The factors to be taken into account in determining whether it is in the interests of justice for the assistance to be provided include those listed in section 24(3)(a) to (c) of the Act.
b
in paragraph (3), for “Paragraphs (1) and (2) above” substitute “This regulation”.
6
In regulation 9, omit paragraph (g).
(This note is not part of the Regulations)