2013 No. 483
The Criminal Legal Aid (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2013
Made
Laid before Parliament
Coming into force
The Lord Chancellor makes the following Regulations1 in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5(2) and (4), 23(1), (2)(a) and (b), (4) to (8), (9)(a) to (c), (10)(c), (11) and (12), 24(1) to (3), 30(2) and (3) and 41(1)(a) and (b), (2)(a) and (3)(a) and (b) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 20122.
PART 1Interpretation and General
Citation and commencementI11
These Regulations may be cited as the Criminal Legal Aid (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2013 and come into force on 1st April 2013.
InterpretationI22
In these Regulations—
“the Act” means the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012;
“capital” includes specified and unspecified capital;
“capital contribution order” means a contribution order in relation to capital;
“contribution order” means a document which records a determination by the Director under these Regulations;
“cost of representation” means the cost of representation of an individual calculated in accordance with regulation 25 (assessment of the cost of representation on the conclusion of the proceedings);
“date of the conclusion of the proceedings” means the date on which—
- a
an individual is sentenced or otherwise dealt with for any offence following conviction in the Crown Court;
- b
an individual is acquitted of any offence in the Crown Court; or
- c
the determination under section 16 of the Act (representation for criminal proceedings) that an individual qualifies for representation for the purposes of the criminal proceedings to which Part 2 applies is withdrawn;
- a
“disposable annual income” means the disposable income of an individual calculated in accordance with regulation 11 (calculation of disposable annual income);
“disposable specified capital” means the disposable specified capital of an individual calculated in accordance with regulation 28 (calculation of disposable specified capital);
“gross annual income” means the gross income of an individual calculated in accordance with regulation 10(2) (calculation of gross annual income) and before any adjustment made under regulation 10(1)(b);
“income contribution order” means a contribution order in relation to income;
“overdue” means any amount which is unpaid on the day after the date the payment is required to be made by the individual;
“partner” means—
- a
an individual’s spouse or civil partner, from whom the individual is not separated due to a breakdown in the relationship which is likely to be permanent;
- b
a person with whom an individual lives as a couple; or
- c
a person with whom an individual ordinarily lives as a couple, from whom the individual is not separated due to a breakdown in the relationship which is likely to be permanent;
- a
“period of calculation” means the period of one year ending on the date on which the application for a determination under section 16 of the Act is made;
F11“POCA” means the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002;
F11“POCA restraint order” means a restraint order made under Part 2 of POCA;
“recoverable costs of representation” means—
- a
except where regulation 26 (assessment by the court of proportion of the cost of representation) applies, the cost of representation; or
- b
where regulation 26 applies, the proportion of the cost of representation specified in the order of the court;
- a
“relevant outstanding amount” means—
- a
where a determination under regulation 12 (determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of income), 13 (determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of income: income evidence sanction) or 19(3) (determination by the Director of liability to make a payment following reassessment of income) has been made that an individual is liable to make a payment, the amount of any payment or payments under the income contribution order which—
- i
were required to be made on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings; and
- ii
are overdue; and
- i
- b
where a determination under regulation 19(2) or 23 (determination by the Director of liability to make an additional payment following reassessment of income) has been made that an individual is liable to make a payment, the amount of any such payment which is unpaid;
- a
“specified capital” means–
- a
any interest in real property;
- b
money in a bank or building society account;
- c
money in a National Savings Bank account;
- d
national savings certificates;
- e
Premium Savings Bonds;
- f
property in an account to which the Individual Savings Account Regulations 19983 apply;
- g
property in a personal equity plan;
- h
property in a unit trust scheme;
- i
any other lump sum investment; and
- j
shares and stock; and
- a
“unspecified capital” means capital which is not specified capital.
DelegationI33
A function of the Lord Chancellor or the Director under these Regulations may be exercised by, or by an employee of, a person authorised for that purpose by the Lord Chancellor or the Director respectively4.
Resources to be treated as the individual’s resourcesI44
1
Where an individual has a partner—
a
in calculating the financial resources of the individual, the Director must treat the financial resources of the partner as the individual’s financial resources; and
b
any reference in these Regulations to the financial resources, financial circumstances, income or capital of the individual includes a reference to the financial resources, financial circumstances, income or capital of the individual’s partner,
unless the partner has a contrary interest in the proceedings.
2
Where it appears to the Director that—
a
another person is or has been substantially maintaining the individual or the individual’s partner; or
b
any of the financial resources of another person have been made available to the individual or the individual’s partner,
the Director may assess or estimate the value of the maintenance or the financial resources made available and may treat such amounts as the financial resources of the individual.
PART 2Crown Court Trials
GeneralI55
This Part makes provision about the making of a determination by the Director under section 23 of the Act (payment for services) that an individual is liable to make a payment in connection with the provision of representation to the individual in criminal proceedings to which this Part applies.
Application of this PartF1I66
1
This Part applies where the Director has made a determination that an individual’s financial resources are such that the individual is eligible in accordance with section 21 of the Act (financial resources) for representation under section 16 of the Act (representation for criminal proceedings) in relation to Crown Court proceedings.
2
In this Part “Crown Court proceedings” means criminal proceedings—
a
in respect of an offence for which an individual may be, or has been, sent by a magistrates’ court to the Crown Court for trial;
b
relating to an offence in respect of which a bill of indictment has been preferred by virtue of section 2(2)(b) of the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1933; or
c
which are to be heard in the Crown Court following an order by the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court for a retrial.
Documentary evidence of financial resourcesI77
F21
Where the Director has determined under section 16 of the Act that an individual qualifies for representation for the purposes of Crown Court proceedings, the Director may require that individual to provide documentary evidence in relation to their financial resources.
F32
The individual must provide the documentary evidence requested under paragraph (1) within 14 days of the date of that request.
3
The Director may require an individual who fails to comply with paragraph (2) to provide the documentary evidence requested under paragraph (1) within—
a
seven days of the date of the request F4under this paragraph; or
b
such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual.
4
At any time after a request for documentary evidence under paragraph (1), the Director may require an individual to provide further information and documentary evidence in relation to the individual’s financial resources within—
a
14 days of the date of that further request; or
b
such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual.
5
A request under this regulation must specify—
a
whether the request is in relation to income or capital; and
b
the information or documentary evidence which the individual is required to provide.
Assessment by the Director of income and liability to make a paymentI88
F51
Subject to regulation 9, where the Director has determined under section 16 of the Act that an individual qualifies for representation for the purposes of Crown Court proceedings, the Director must assess the individual’s income in accordance with regulation 10 and 11.
2
Following the assessment in accordance with regulation 10 and 11, the Director must, where practicable, notify the individual of the amount of the payment for which the individual may be liable.
Individuals not liable to make a paymentI99
1
This regulation applies where—
a
an individual is under the age of 18 on the date on which the application for a determination under section 16 of the Act is made; or
b
the Director is satisfied that an individual is, directly or indirectly, properly in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
2
The Director must as soon as possible notify an individual to whom this regulation applies that the individual is not liable to make a payment.
3
In this regulation, “qualifying benefit” means—
a
b
c
d
e
universal credit paid under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 201214.
Calculation of gross annual incomeI1010
1
The Director must—
a
calculate an individual’s gross annual income; and
b
where the individual has a partner or a child living in the individual’s household, adjust the individual’s gross annual income in accordance with the Schedule to these Regulations.
2
An individual’s gross annual income is the individual’s total income during the period of calculation from all sources other than receipt of the following amounts—
a
any financial support paid under an agreement for the care of a foster child;
b
any payments paid out of—
i
the Independent Living Fund15;
ii
the Independent Living (Extension) Fund16;
iii
the Independent Living (1993) Fund17; or
iv
the Independent Living Fund (2006)18;
c
any exceptionally severe disablement allowance paid under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 198319;
d
any of the following payments—
i
attendance allowance paid under section 64 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or section 64 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
ii
iii
iv
disability living allowance paid under section 71 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 199224 or section 71 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
v
constant attendance allowance paid under section 104 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 as an increase to a disablement pension or section 104 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
vi
any housing benefit paid under section 130 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 199225 or section 129 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
vii
council tax benefit paid under section 131 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 199226;
viii
payment made out of the social fund under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
e
any direct payments made under F9sections 31 to 33 of the Care Act 2014 (direct payments) or under regulations made under F10section 49(3) of the Children and Families Act 2014 (personal budgets and direct payments), section 57(1) of the Health and Social Care Act 200127 (direct payments), section 17A of the Children Act 198928 (direct payments) F18, section 8(1) of the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 200229F19or sections 50 to 53 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014;
f
any reasonable living expenses provided for as an exception to F12a POCA restraint order;
g
any pensions paid under the Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 200631;
h
any armed forces independence payment paid under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 201132; and
i
any personal independence payment paid under Part 4 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012.
3
Where the Director calculates that the individual’s gross annual income, adjusted under paragraph (1)(b) where relevant, exceeds £12,475, the Director must calculate the individual’s disposable annual income in accordance with regulation 11.
4
Where the Director calculates that the individual’s gross annual income, adjusted under paragraph (1)(b) where relevant, is £12,475 or less—
a
the individual is not liable to make a payment out of income; and
b
the Director must notify the individual that the individual is not liable to make a payment out of income but may be liable to make a payment out of capital.
5
In this regulation and regulation 11 “child” means an individual who is under the age of 18 on the date on which the application for a determination under section 16 of the Act is made.
Calculation of disposable annual incomeI1111
1
The Director must calculate an individual’s disposable annual income in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).
2
The Director must deduct the following amounts from the individual’s gross annual income—
a
any income with which the individual is restrained from dealing by order of the High Court or Crown Court;
b
any amounts due under a contribution order in other criminal proceedings; and
c
the amounts listed in paragraph (3) if they are paid or payable by the individual during the period of calculation.
3
The Director must deduct—
a
any income tax;
b
any estimated contributions under Part 1 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
c
any council tax;
d
either—
i
any annual rent or annual payment (whether of interest or capital) in respect of a mortgage debt or hereditable security in respect of the individual’s only or main dwelling, less any housing benefit paid under section 130 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or section 129 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992; or
ii
the annual cost of the individual’s living accommodation;
e
any child care costs;
f
the amount, where reasonable, of any maintenance payments;
g
an amount representing cost of living expenses, being either—
i
£5,676; or
ii
where the individual has a partner or a child living in the individual’s household, the amount calculated in accordance with the Schedule to these Regulations;
4
For the purpose of paragraph (3)(d)(i), where an individual resides in more than one dwelling, the Director must decide which dwelling is the main dwelling.
5
In this regulation—
“child care costs” means the costs of care, other than excluded costs, provided by one or more of the following—
- a
a school on school premises, out of school hours;
- b
a local authority, out of school hours—
- i
for a child who is not disabled, in respect of the period beginning on the child’s eighth birthday and ending on the day preceding the first Monday in September following the child’s 15th birthday;
- ii
for a child who is disabled, in respect of the period beginning on the child’s eighth birthday and ending on the day preceding the first Monday in September following the child’s 16th birthday;
- i
- c
a child care provider approved in accordance with the Tax Credit (New Category of Care Provider) Regulations 199933;
- d
persons registered under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 200634 or Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 201035;
- e
persons referred to in article 11, 12 or 14 of the Child Minding and Day Care Exceptions (Wales) Order 201036, working in schools or establishments referred to in those articles;
- f
persons prescribed in regulations made pursuant to section 12(4) of the Tax Credits Act 200237;
- a
“excluded costs” means costs paid—
- a
in respect of the child’s compulsory education;
- b
by the individual to the individual’s partner (or vice versa) in respect of any child for whom either (or both) of them is or are responsible in accordance with regulation 20 of the Housing Benefit Regulations 200638; or
- c
in respect of care provided by a relative of the child wholly or mainly in the child’s home;
- a
“maintenance payment” means a payment by an individual for the maintenance of—
- a
a former partner;
- b
a child; or
- c
a relative,
who is not a member of the individual’s household; and
- a
“relative” means, whether of full blood or half blood, or by marriage or civil partnership, a parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece or first cousin.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of incomeI1212
1
Except where regulation 13 applies, where the Director calculates that an individual’s disposable annual income is £3,398 or less—
a
the individual is not liable to make a payment out of income; and
b
the Director must notify the individual that the individual is not liable to make a payment out of income but may be liable to make a payment out of capital.
2
Where the Director calculates that an individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398, the Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make six payments of one twelfth of 90 per cent of the individual’s disposable annual income;
b
issue an income contribution order recording the determination; and
c
notify the individual that the individual may also be liable to make a payment out of capital.
3
The Director must not make a determination under this regulation or regulation 13 until—
F17a
the individual has been sent to the Crown Court, or
b
the bill of indictment has been preferred.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of income: income evidence sanctionI1313
1
This regulation applies where—
a
an individual fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a request for documentary evidence in relation to income under regulation 7(3); and
b
the Director has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398.
2
Where no determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12 that the individual is liable to make a payment, the Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make six payments of—
i
£900; or
ii
one twelfth of the individual’s disposable annual income if the Director is able to calculate it without the documentary evidence requested,
whichever is the higher;
b
issue an income contribution order recording the determination; and
c
notify the individual that the individual may also be liable to make a payment out of capital.
3
Where a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12 that the individual is liable to make a payment, the Director must—
a
vary the determination in respect of the amount of the payment so that any payment or payments under the income contribution order after the date on which the Director varies the determination are of—
i
£900; or
ii
one twelfth of the individual’s disposable annual income if the Director is able to calculate it without the documentary evidence requested,
whichever is the higher;
b
amend the income contribution order accordingly; and
c
notify the individual that the individual remains liable to make any overdue payment or payments under the income contribution order which were required to be made before the date on which the determination was varied.
Exemption from the final payment under an income contribution orderI1414
The sixth payment under an income contribution order must be deducted from the amount to which an individual is liable where—
a
the Director makes a determination under regulation 12 or 13 and the individual makes the first five payments on or before the date on which each payment is required to be made; or
b
the Director makes a determination under regulation 19(2) or 23 and considers that the amount should be so deducted.
Specified maximum amount for class of offenceI1515
1
The total amount payable under any income contribution order must not exceed the amount specified in paragraph (3) as the maximum amount for the class within which the offence with which the individual is charged falls (regardless of the classification of the offences charged in the indictment).
2
The classes and offences which fall within them are listed in the Table of Offences in Part 7 of Schedule 1 to the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 201339.
3
The specified maximum amounts for the classes in the Table of Offences are—
a
Class A: Homicide and related grave offences– £185,806;
b
Class B: Offences involving serious violence or damage, and serious drugs offences–£29,453;
c
Class C: Lesser offences involving violence or damage, and less serious drugs offences– £7,970;
d
Class D: Sexual offences and offences against children– £13,776;
e
Class E: Burglary etc.– £6,731;
f
Class F: Other offences of dishonesty (specified offences and offences where the value is £30,000 or less)– £6,754;
g
Class G: Other offences of dishonesty (specified offences and offences where the value involved exceeds £30,000 but does not exceed £100,000)– £117,368;
h
Class H: Miscellaneous other offences– £7,427;
i
Class I: Offences against public justice and similar offences– £28,023;
j
Class J: Serious sexual offences– £17,892;
k
Class K: Other offences of dishonesty (high value) (where the value involved exceeds £100,000)– £153,039.
4
Where an individual is charged with—
a
an offence falling in more than one class; or
b
more than one offence falling in more than one class,
the relevant class is that for which the specified maximum amount is the higher or highest.
Income contribution order: generalI1616
1
An income contribution order must state—
a
the name of the individual;
b
the amount payable;
c
the date on which the first payment is required to be made and that subsequent payments are required to be made monthly, or as otherwise agreed by the Director and the individual;
d
the remedies available to the Lord Chancellor as a creditor if a payment is overdue;
e
that if a payment is overdue, compound interest at the rate of 6% per year with half-yearly rests may be added to that payment from the date on which the payment is required to be made as—
i
specified in the income contribution order; or
ii
otherwise agreed by the Director and the individual;
g
that the costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of an obligation to make a payment may be added to the amount payable by the individual.
2
Payments due under an income contribution order must be made to the Lord Chancellor.
Change in financial circumstances: incomeI1717
An individual who the Director has determined under section 16 of the Act qualifies for representation for the purposes of F6Crown Court proceedings must—
a
immediately notify the Director of any change in financial circumstances in relation to income of which the individual is aware, which—
i
has occurred since the date on which the individual made an application for a determination under section 16 of the Act; and
ii
might affect the individual’s liability to make a payment; and
b
provide documentary evidence of—
i
the change in financial circumstances; and
ii
the date of the change in financial circumstances.
Reassessment by the Director of income and liability to make a paymentI1818
1
Where—
a
b
new information in relation to an individual’s income comes to light;
c
it appears to the Director that there has been a miscalculation of an individual’s income or an administrative error; or
d
an individual notifies the Director of a change in financial circumstances in accordance with regulation 17,
2
The Director may reassess the individual’s income under this regulation at any time before the date on which—
a
the Director makes a determination under regulation 29, 30 or 31 that the individual is liable to make a payment out of capital; or
b
the individual is notified that they are not liable to make a payment out of capital in accordance with regulation 33(1)(a).
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment following reassessment of incomeI1919
1
Where—
a
no determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12 or 13 that the individual is liable to make a payment; and
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398,
the Director must make a determination in accordance with paragraph (2).
2
The Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of the total amount of the payment or payments which the individual would have been required to make under an income contribution order—
i
before the date on which the determination under this paragraph is made; or
ii
(where the proceedings have concluded) on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings,
had a determination under regulation 12(2)(a) been made by the Director on the relevant date; and
b
notify the individual—
i
of the amount payable;
ii
that the amount must be paid within 28 days of the date of notification or within such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual;
iii
that if payment is overdue, compound interest at the rate of 6% per year with half-yearly rests may be added to that payment from the date specified as the date on which the payment was required to be paid, or the date otherwise agreed by the Director and the individual;
iv
of the individual’s right under regulation 39; and
v
that the costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of an obligation to make a payment may be added to the amount payable by the individual.
3
Where paragraph (2)(a)(i) applies, the Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make six payments of one twelfth of 90 per cent of the individual’s disposable annual income, less the payment or payments under the determination under paragraph (2); and
b
issue an income contribution order accordingly.
4
In this regulation, “the relevant date” means—
a
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(a) to (c), the date on which the Director would have made a determination under regulation 12(2)(a) in accordance with regulation 12(3); or
b
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d), the date of the change in financial circumstances.
Withdrawal by the Director of a determination of liability to make a payment following reassessment of incomeI2020
1
Where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12, 13 or 19(3) that the individual is liable to make a payment; and
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income is £3,398 or less,
the Director must withdraw the determination with effect from the relevant date.
2
In this regulation, “the relevant date” means—
a
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(a) to (c), the date on which the determination referred to in paragraph (1)(a) was made by the Director; or
b
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d)—
i
if the individual notified the Director of the change in financial circumstances within 28 days of the date of the change, the date of the change in financial circumstances;
ii
if the individual failed, without reasonable excuse, to notify the Director of the change in financial circumstances within 28 days of the date of the change, the date of the notification of the change in financial circumstances.
Variation by the Director of liability to make a payment following reassessment of incomeI2121
1
Where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12, 13 or 19(3) that the individual is liable to make a payment;
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398 by an amount which is different to that calculated when the determination referred to in sub-paragraph (a) was made; and
c
the reassessment took place before the date—
i
of the conclusion of the proceedings; and
ii
on which the final payment under the individual’s income contribution order was required to be made,
the Director must vary the determination in accordance with paragraph (2).
2
The Director must—
a
vary the determination in respect of the amount of the payment so that any payment or payments under the income contribution order after the date on which the Director varies the determination are of one twelfth of 90 per cent of the individual’s disposable annual income as calculated on reassessment; and
b
amend the income contribution order accordingly.
Liability to overdue payments under an income contribution order following reassessment of incomeI2222
1
This regulation applies where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12, 13 or 19(3) that the individual is liable to make a payment;
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income—
i
is £3,398 or less; or
ii
exceeds £3,398 by an amount which is different to that calculated when the determination referred to in sub-paragraph (a) was made; and
c
the reassessment took place when one or more of the payments under the individual’s income contribution order was overdue.
2
Where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d) and the determination is withdrawn in accordance with regulation 20 as a result of the reassessment, the Director must notify the individual that the individual remains liable to the overdue payment or payments which were required to be made—
a
before the date on which the determination was withdrawn; or
b
on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings,
whichever is the earlier.
3
Where the individual’s liability increases or decreases as a result of the reassessment, the Director must notify the individual that the individual is liable to the overdue payment or payments (adjusted under paragraph (4) where relevant) which were required to be made—
a
before the date on which the determination referred to in paragraph (1)(a) was varied in accordance with regulation 21; or
b
(where the proceedings have concluded) on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings.
4
Where the individual’s liability to make a payment decreases as a result of the reassessment, the Director must adjust the amount of such payment or payments under paragraph (3) to the amount of the equivalent payment or payments which the individual would have been required to make, had the payments from the relevant date been of one twelfth of 90 per cent of the individual’s disposable annual income as calculated on reassessment;
5
In this regulation, “the relevant date” means—
a
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(a) to (c), the date on which the determination referred to in paragraph (1)(a) was made by the Director; or
b
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d)—
i
if the individual notified the Director of the change in financial circumstances within 28 days of the date of the change, the date of the change in financial circumstances;
ii
if the individual failed, without reasonable excuse, to notify the Director of the change in financial circumstances within 28 days of the date of the change, the date of the notification of the change in financial circumstances.
Determination by the Director of liability to make an additional payment following reassessment of incomeI2323
1
This regulation applies where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12, 13 or 19(3) that the individual is liable to make a payment;
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398 by a greater amount than that calculated when the determination referred to in sub-paragraph (a) was made; and
c
the reassessment took place after one or more of the payments under the individual’s income contribution was required to be made.
2
The Director must make a determination that the individual is liable to an additional payment of the amount of the difference between—
a
the total amount of the payment or payments which were required to be made—
i
before the date on which the determination referred to in paragraph (1)(a) was varied in accordance with regulation 21; or
ii
(where the proceedings have concluded) on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings; and
b
the total amount of the equivalent payment or payments which the individual would have been required to make, had the payments from the relevant date been of one twelfth of 90 per cent of the individual’s disposable annual income as calculated on reassessment.
3
The Director must notify the individual—
a
of the additional amount payable;
b
that the additional amount must be paid within 28 days of the date of notification or within such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual;
c
that if payment is overdue, compound interest at the rate of 6% per year with half-yearly rests may be added to that payment from the date specified as the date on which the payment was required to be paid, or the date otherwise agreed by the Director and the individual;
d
of the individual’s right under regulation 39; and
e
that the costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of an obligation to make a payment may be added to the amount payable by the individual.
4
In this regulation, “the relevant date” means—
a
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(a) to (c), the date on which the Director would have made a determination under regulation 12(2)(a) in accordance with regulation 12(3); or
b
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d), the date of the change in financial circumstances.
Repayment following reassessment of incomeI2424
1
This regulation applies where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12, 13 or 19(3) that the individual is liable to make a payment;
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income—
i
is £3,398 or less; or
ii
exceeds £3,398 by a lesser amount than that calculated when the determination referred to in sub-paragraph (a) was made; and
c
the reassessment took place after one or more of the payments under the individual’s income contribution was made.
2
Where the determination is withdrawn in accordance with regulation 20 as a result of the reassessment, the Lord Chancellor must repay to the individual the following—
a
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(a) to (c), the amount of any payment or payments made by the individual under the income contribution order; or
b
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d), the amount of the payment or payments made by the individual under the income contribution order after the relevant date.
3
Where the individual’s liability decreases as a result of the reassessment, the Lord Chancellor must repay to the individual the amount of the difference between—
a
the payment or payments made by the individual under the income contribution order; and
b
the total amount of the equivalent payment or payments which the individual would have been required to make, had the payments from the relevant date been of one twelfth of 90 per cent of the individual’s disposable annual income as calculated on reassessment.
4
Compound interest must be paid on the amount repaid at a rate of 2% per year with yearly rests, from the date of the payment by the individual.
5
In this regulation, “the relevant date” means—
a
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(a) to (c), the date on which the determination referred to in paragraph (1)(a) was made by the Director; or
b
where the reassessment took place in accordance with regulation 18(1)(d)—
i
if the individual notified the Director of the change in financial circumstances within 28 days of the date of the change, the date of the change in financial circumstances;
ii
if the individual failed, without reasonable excuse, to notify the Director of the change in financial circumstances within 28 days of the date of the change, the date of the notification of the change in financial circumstances.
Assessment of the cost of representation on the conclusion of the proceedingsI2525
Where—
a
an individual is sentenced or otherwise dealt with for any offence following conviction in the Crown Court;
b
the trial judge considers that there are exceptional reasons why an individual who is acquitted in the Crown Court should be liable to make payments under a contribution order; or
c
the determination under section 16 of the Act that an individual qualifies for representation for the purposes of the F7Crown Court proceedings is withdrawn,
the Director must calculate the cost of representation of the individual in the proceedings in the Crown Court.
Assessment by the court of proportion of the cost of representationI2626
1
This regulation applies where an individual is—
a
charged with more than one offence; and
b
convicted of one or more, but not all, such offences.
2
The individual may apply in writing to the judge for an order that the individual pay a proportion of the amount of the cost of representation in the proceedings in the Crown Court, on the ground that it would be manifestly unreasonable to pay the whole amount.
3
An application under paragraph (2) must be made within 21 days of the date on which the individual is sentenced or otherwise dealt with for the offence following conviction in the Crown Court.
4
The judge may—
a
make an order specifying the proportion of the cost of representation for which the individual is liable; or
b
refuse the application.
5
An order under paragraph (4) must not require any other individual to pay any of the cost of the individual’s representation.
6
In this regulation “judge” means the trial judge or a judge nominated by the resident judge for the purpose of deciding the application.
Assessment by the Director of capital and liability to make a paymentI2727
Where—
a
the recoverable costs of representation exceed the amount of any payment already made by an individual under an income contribution order; or
b
an individual was not liable to make a payment out of income,
the Director must assess the individual’s capital in accordance with regulation 28.
Calculation of disposable specified capitalI2828
1
The Director must calculate an individual’s disposable specified capital by—
a
calculating the amount or value of an individual’s specified capital on the date on which the application for a determination under section 16 of the Act is made; and
b
except where paragraph (2) applies, deducting £30,000 from the total amount or value.
2
Where—
a
an individual fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a request for documentary evidence in relation to specified capital under regulation 7(3); and
b
the Director has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual has specified capital of an amount or value equal to, or in excess of, £30,000,
the Director must not make the deduction in paragraph (1)(b).
3
The amount or value of an individual’s specified capital is the amount or value of all specified capital belonging to the individual on the date on which the application for a determination under section 16 of the Act is made, except where—
a
it would be impractical or unreasonable for the Director to include the specified capital; or
b
F13subject to paragraph (3A), the individual is restrained by order of the High Court or Crown Court from dealing with the specified capital.
F143A
Paragraph (3)(b) does not apply where the order is a POCA restraint order.
4
In calculating the amount or value of an individual’s specified capital—
a
in so far as the specified capital does not consist of money, its value is—
i
the amount which that resource would realise if sold; or
ii
the value of that resource assessed in such other manner as appears to the Director to be equitable;
b
the value of any interest in real property is the amount for which that interest could be sold less the amount of any debt secured by a mortgage or charge on the property; and
c
where an individual owns an interest in specified capital jointly or in common with any other person (other than the individual’s partner), the Director must treat that resource as being owned in equal shares or, where there is evidence that the resource is not so owned, in such proportion as appears to the Director to be equitable in the light of that evidence.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of disposable specified capitalI2929
Except where regulation 31 applies, where the Director calculates that an individual has disposable specified capital, the Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of—
i
the amount of the recoverable costs of representation, less the amount of any payment already made under an income contribution order and any relevant outstanding amount; or
ii
where the amount of the individual’s disposable specified capital is less than the amount in sub-paragraph (i), the amount of the individual’s disposable specified capital; and
b
issue a capital contribution order recording the determination.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of unspecified capitalI3030
1
Except where regulation 31 applies, where the Director considers that an individual has unspecified capital, the Director must make a determination in accordance with paragraph (2) or (3).
2
Where a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 29(a)(ii), the Director must—
a
make a further determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of the amount of the difference between—
i
the amount of the recoverable costs of representation, less the amount of any payment already made under an income contribution order and any relevant outstanding amount; and
ii
the amount of the individual’s disposable specified capital; or
b
where the amount of the individual’s unspecified capital is less than the amount in paragraph (a), make a determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of the amount of the individual’s unspecified capital; and
c
amend the capital contribution order accordingly.
3
Where no determination has been made under regulation 29, the Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of—
i
the amount of the recoverable costs of representation, less the amount of any payment already made under an income contribution order and any relevant outstanding amount; or
ii
where the amount of the individual’s unspecified capital is less than the amount in sub-paragraph (i), the amount of the individual’s unspecified capital; and
b
issue a capital contribution order recording the determination.
4
In this regulation, and regulation 36, the value of unspecified capital is—
a
the amount which that resource would realise if sold; or
b
the value of that resource assessed in such other manner as appears to the Director to be equitable.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment out of capital: capital evidence sanctionI3131
1
This regulation applies where—
a
an individual fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a request for information or documentary evidence in relation to capital under regulation 7(4); and
b
the Director has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual has capital of an amount or value equal to, or in excess of, the recoverable costs of representation.
2
The Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of the amount of the recoverable costs of representation, less the amount of any payment already made under an income contribution order and any relevant outstanding amount; and
b
issue a capital contribution order recording the determination.
Capital contribution order: generalI3232
1
A capital contribution order must state—
a
the name of the individual;
b
the amount of the recoverable costs of representation;
c
the amount payable;
d
F15unless paragraph (1A) applies, that the amount must be paid within 28 days of the date of the capital contribution order or within such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual;
e
the remedies available to the Lord Chancellor as a creditor if a payment is not made by a due date;
f
that if a payment is overdue, compound interest at the rate of 6% per year with half-yearly rests may be added to that payment from the date on which the payment is required to be made as—
i
specified in the capital contribution order; or
ii
otherwise agreed by the Director and the individual;
h
that the costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of the order may be added to the amount payable by the individual.
F161A
This paragraph applies where the individual is subject to a POCA restraint order.
1B
Where paragraph (1A) applies, the capital contribution order must state—
a
the amount of the individual’s capital which is—
i
subject to a POCA restraint order; and
ii
not subject to a POCA restraint order (“B”),
as calculated by the Director;
b
where B is equal to, or exceeds, the amount payable, that the individual must pay the amount payable in full within 28 days of the date of the capital contribution order or within such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual;
c
where B is less than the amount payable, that the individual must make a payment of the value of B within 28 days of the date of the capital contribution order or within such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual; and
d
where paragraph (c) applies, that the individual must make a payment which is the amount payable less any sum already paid under sub-paragraph (c), within 28 days of the date on which paragraph (1C) first applies or within such other period following that date as may be agreed by the Director and the individual.
1C
This paragraph applies where—
a
a confiscation order under Part 2 of POCA has been made against the individual to whom the capital contribution order is issued;
b
the POCA restraint order and the confiscation order were both made in proceedings that were entirely or partly for the same offence; and
c
that confiscation order has been discharged or satisfied.
2
Payments due under a capital contribution order must be made to the Lord Chancellor.
Payments under an income contribution order following the conclusion of the proceedingsI3333
1
Where a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 12, 13 or 19(3) that an individual is liable to make a payment out of income and—
a
no determination is made by the Director under regulation 29, 30 or 31 that the individual is liable to make a payment out of capital, the Director must notify the individual—
i
that the individual is not liable to make a payment out of capital;
ii
of the amount of the recoverable costs of representation; and
iii
where relevant, that the individual remains liable for any overdue payments under the income contribution order which were required to be made on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings;
b
a determination is made by the Director under regulation 29, 30 or 31 that the individual is liable to make a payment out of capital, the Director must—
i
withdraw the determination referred to in paragraph (1) with effect from the date of the conclusion of the proceedings; and
ii
where relevant, notify the individual that the individual remains liable to any overdue payments under the income contribution order which were required to be made on or before the date of the conclusion of the proceedings.
2
Where a determination under regulation 19(2) or 23 has been made that an individual is liable to make a payment and any amount of the payment is unpaid, the Director must notify the individual that the individual remains liable to the payment.
Change in financial circumstances: capitalI3434
An individual who the Director has determined under section 16 of the Act qualifies for representation for the purposes of F8Crown Court proceedings must—
a
immediately notify the Director of any change in financial circumstances in relation to capital of which the individual is aware, which—
i
has occurred since the date on which the individual made an application for a determination under section 16 of the Act; and
ii
might affect the individual’s liability to make a payment; and
b
provide documentary evidence of—
i
the change in financial circumstances; and
ii
the date of the change in financial circumstances.
Reassessment by the Director of capital and liability to make a paymentI3535
Where—
a
b
new information in relation to an individual’s capital comes to light;
c
it appears to the Director that there has been a miscalculation of an individual’s capital or an administrative error; or
d
an individual notifies the Director of a change in financial circumstances in accordance with regulation 34 and does so—
i
within 28 days of the day on which the capital contribution order was issued; or
ii
otherwise with a reasonable excuse,
the Director must reassess the individual’s capital.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment following reassessment of capitalI3636
1
Where—
a
no determination has been made by the Director under regulation 29, 30 or 31 that the individual is liable to make a payment; and
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 35 the Director—
i
calculates that the individual has disposable specified capital; or
ii
considers that the individual has unspecified capital,
the Director must make a determination in accordance with regulation 29 and 30.
2
Where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 29, 30 or 31 that the individual is liable to make a payment; and
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 35 the Director—
i
calculates that the individual has no disposable specified capital; or
ii
considers that the individual has no unspecified capital,
the Director must withdraw the determination under regulation 29, 30 or 31 in respect of the individual’s disposable specified capital or unspecified capital, as the case may be.
3
Where—
a
a determination has been made by the Director under regulation 29, 30 or 31 that the individual is liable to make a payment; and
b
on reassessment in accordance with regulation 35 the Director calculates that the amount of the individual’s capital is a different amount to that calculated when the determination under sub-paragraph (a) was made,
the Director must vary the determination in accordance with paragraph (4).
4
The Director must—
a
vary the determination in respect of the amount of the payment so that the payment is of—
i
the amount of the recoverable costs of representation, less the amount of any payment already made under an income contribution order and any relevant outstanding amount; or
ii
where the amount of the individual’s capital as calculated on reassessment is less than the amount in sub-paragraph (i), the amount of the individual’s capital; and
b
amend the capital contribution order accordingly.
Repayment: generalI3737
1
Where an individual has made a payment or payments—
a
under an income contribution order, and, except where regulation 25(b) applies—
i
the proceedings against the individual are discontinued; or
ii
the individual is acquitted by the Crown Court of each offence with which the individual was charged; or
b
under a contribution order, and the Court of Appeal allows an appeal against conviction by the individual,
the Lord Chancellor must repay to the individual the amount of each payment made, less any amount added in accordance with regulation 45, together with compound interest thereon from the date of the payment at the rate of 2% per year with yearly rests.
2
Where the Director has made a determination—
a
under section 16 of the Act that the individual qualifies for representation for the purposes of other criminal proceedings to which Part 2 or 3 applies; or
b
under these Regulations that the individual is liable to make a payment in connection with the provision of representation in other criminal proceedings to which Part 2 or 3 applies,
the Lord Chancellor may treat the amount to be repaid under paragraph (1) as satisfying the equivalent amount due under any other contribution order.
3
Where—
a
an individual has made payments under an income contribution order; and
b
the amount of the payments so made exceeds the recoverable costs of representation,
the Lord Chancellor must repay to the individual the amount of the excess, less any amount added in accordance with regulation 45, together with compound interest thereon from the date of the excess payment at the rate of 2% per year with yearly rests.
Deprivation etc. of resourcesI3838
If it appears to the Director that the individual or the individual’s partner has, with intent to reduce the amount of the individual’s financial resources, whether for the purposes of making the individual not liable to a make a payment or of reducing the amount of such a payment—
a
directly or indirectly deprived themselves of any financial resources;
b
transferred any financial resources to another person; or
c
converted any financial resources into resources which, under these Regulations, are to be wholly or partly disregarded,
those financial resources must be treated as part of the individual’s financial resources, or as not so converted as the case may be.
Review of a determinationI3939
1
An individual whom the Director has determined is liable to make a payment may apply to the Director for a review of the determination, on the grounds that—
a
there has been a miscalculation of the individual’s income or capital or the cost of representation;
b
there has been an administrative error; or
c
the individual is suffering or would suffer financial hardship as a result of making the payment.
2
An application must be made in a form specified by the Lord Chancellor.
3
An application under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) must be made within—
a
28 days of the date that the contribution order is issued; or
b
such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual.
4
A review may be conducted without a hearing.
5
The Director must consider the application and may—
a
confirm the determination and notify the individual that the individual remains liable to make a payment under the determination;
b
withdraw the determination; or
c
vary the determination and amend the contribution order accordingly.
6
Where the Director—
a
withdraws a determination and the individual has already made a payment in excess of the amount to which the individual is liable; or
b
varies a determination such that—
i
the individual is liable to make a payment of a lower amount; and
ii
the individual has already made a payment in excess of the amount to which the individual is liable,
the Lord Chancellor must repay to the individual the amount of such payment together with compound interest thereon from the date of the payment at the rate of 2% per year with yearly rests.
PART 3Appeals to the Crown Court
Application of this PartI4040
1
This Part applies to appeals to the Crown Court from the magistrates’ court in proceedings against conviction, sentence or an order.
2
In this Part “order”, without more, means an order made in proceedings referred to in regulation 9 of the Criminal Legal Aid (General Regulations) 201340.
Application of the provisions in Part 2I4141
The following regulations apply to appeals as they apply to proceedings to which Part 2 applies, with the modifications in sub-paragraph (e)—
a
regulation 5;
b
regulation 8;
c
regulation 9;
d
regulation 10(1) to (3) and (5);
e
regulation 11 with the following modifications—
i
after paragraph (2)(b) omit “and”; and
ii
after paragraph (2)(c) insert “and (d) £500, representing the costs of an appeal”;
f
regulation 17;
g
regulation 18(1)(b) to (d);
h
regulation 38; and
i
regulation 39.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a paymentI4242
1
Where the Director calculates that an individual’s—
a
gross annual income, adjusted under regulation 10(1)(b) where relevant, is £12,475 or less; or
b
disposable annual income is £3,398 or less,
the individual is not liable to make a payment and the Director must notify the individual that the individual is not liable to make a payment.
2
Where—
a
the Director calculates that an individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398; and
b
the appeal is made against—
i
conviction, or conviction and sentence, and that appeal is abandoned or dismissed;
ii
sentence or an order, and that appeal is abandoned or dismissed; or
iii
conviction and sentence, and the appeal against conviction is abandoned or dismissed but the appeal against sentence is allowed,
the Director must make a determination in accordance with paragraph (3).
3
The Director must—
a
make a determination that the individual is liable to make a payment of—
i
£500, where paragraph (2)(b)(i) applies; or
ii
£250, where paragraph (2)(b)(ii) or (iii) applies; and
b
issue a contribution order recording the determination.
Contribution order: generalI4343
1
A contribution order must state—
a
the name of the individual;
b
the amount payable;
c
that the amount must be paid within 28 days of the abandonment or dismissal of the appeal, or such other period as may be agreed by the Director and the individual;
d
the remedies available to the Lord Chancellor as a creditor if a payment is overdue;
e
that if a payment is overdue, compound interest at the rate of 6% per year with half-yearly rests may be added to that payment from the date on which the payment is required to be made as—
i
specified in the contribution order; or
ii
otherwise agreed by the Director and the individual;
g
that the costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of the contribution order may be added to the amount payable under the contribution order.
2
Payments due under a contribution order must be made to the Lord Chancellor.
Determination by the Director of liability to make a payment following reassessmentI4444
1
Where no determination under regulation 42 has been made that an individual is liable to make a payment and on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income exceeds £3,398, the Director must make a determination in accordance with regulation 42.
2
Where a determination under regulation 42 has already been made that the individual is liable to make a payment and on reassessment in accordance with regulation 18, the Director calculates that the individual’s disposable annual income is £3,398 or less, the Director must withdraw the determination.
PART 4Enforcement
Costs of enforcementI4545
Where the Lord Chancellor incurs costs in connection with the enforcement of an individual’s obligation to make a payment under these Regulations, those costs may be added to the amount payable by the individual.
Recovery of overdue sumsI4646
1
Any overdue sums are recoverable—
a
summarily as a civil debt; and
b
if the High Court or a county court so orders on the application of the Lord Chancellor, as if they were payable under an order of the court in question.
2
Where a complaint is made for the recovery of an overdue sum as a civil debt, the powers conferred on a magistrates’ court by section 58 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 198041 may be exercised by a single justice.
Signed by authority of the Lord Chancellor
SCHEDULE
I471
In this Schedule, the relevant sum is calculated by adding the relevant figure for each relative of the individual in the table in paragraph 4 together, and then adding 1.
I482
For the purpose of regulation 10(1)(b), an individual’s gross annual income must be adjusted by dividing the amount calculated in regulation 10(2) by the relevant sum.
I493
For the purpose of regulation 11(3)(g)(ii), an individual’s cost of living expenses are calculated by multiplying £5,676 by the relevant sum.
I504
Relative of the individual | Relevant figure |
|---|---|
A partner | 0.64 |
Each child of the individual in the individual’s household, aged 0–1 years | 0.15 |
Each child, as above, aged 2–4 years | 0.30 |
Each child, as above, aged 5–7 years | 0.34 |
Each child, as above, aged 8–10 years | 0.38 |
Each child, as above, aged 11–12 years | 0.41 |
Each child, as above, aged 13–15 years | 0.44 |
Each child, as above, aged 16–17 years | 0.59 |
(This note is not part of the Regulations)