The UK government has approved a major increase in legal aid fees for immigration and asylum cases; the largest rise since 1996, in a move designed to strengthen the struggling legal aid sector and improve access to justice for vulnerable individuals.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the revised fee structure will raise hourly rates by up to 41%, with:
- London fees rising from £52.65 to £69.30
- Non-London fees increasing from £48.24 to £65.35
- Fixed asylum legal help fees jumping from £413 to £559
The adjustment is expected to result in an additional £20 million per year in funding, boosting overall spending on immigration legal aid by 30% once fully implemented.
Why It Matters
Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman, said the move is a “significant investment” aimed at:
- Easing pressure on overburdened legal aid providers
- Resolving immigration issues earlier
- Ensuring the sustainability of services
Background
This increase follows a January 2025 consultation that highlighted how under-resourced providers were struggling to keep up with rising asylum caseloads and systemic delays. The legal aid sector has faced years of low pay, staff shortages, and mounting backlogs.
The reforms align with broader immigration goals, including:
- Reducing hotel dependence for asylum seekers
- Accelerating the removals process
Implementation & Future Plans
The new fees will be introduced via amendments to the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 and the 2024 Standard Civil Contract. They will apply to all new legal aid certificates or determinations issued after the formal start date to be confirmed once digital systems are updated.
Administrative Reforms
The Ministry of Justice also plans to simplify billing, harmonize rates across case types, and update rules for office and remote consultations steps intended to ease administrative burdens on providers.
Sector Response
Legal aid providers and campaigners have cautiously welcomed the reforms, calling them a long-overdue step. However, many stress the need for ongoing evaluation to ensure that the increased funding leads to real improvements in access to justice and service quality.
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