Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2009.

Legal Aid

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any risk of a reverse auction for legal representation, in relation to best value tendering for legal aid services.

Answer: I refer the noble Lord to my Written Ministerial Statement of 20 July in which I announced the publication of the Legal Services Commission's (LSC) response to consultation on best value tendering of criminal defence services. The response confirms that the LSC intends to pilot BVT in Greater Manchester and Avon & Somerset, and describes features of the chosen BVT model, which will mitigate any risks associated with a reverse auction. However, in response to strong concerns expressed by respondents to the consultation, the LSC has decided to slow down the timetable for implementation of BVT beyond the two pilot areas. This will enable the LSC to conduct a full evaluation of the pilot, including the effects of running a reverse auction. A copy of the consultation response and accompanying impact assessment has been placed in the House Library. The documents are also available on the consultation section of the LSC website at www.legalservices.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4939; 712 c347-8WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Legal Aid
Monday, 20 July 2009
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Contracts Criminal proceedings Cost effectiveness Legal aid scheme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk