From 2 April 2012 the LSC is reducing the amount it contributes towards the cost of accreditation panel membership by 50%. We will no longer contribute towards the cost of accreditation panel membership from April 2013.

While we believe that demonstrating quality is the responsibility of the professions - assured by regulators - the adoption of a phased approach will enable us to continue to contribute towards the cost of accreditation until 2013, before ending the contribution scheme from 31 March 2013.

The table below shows the revised amount that providers will be able to claim for the relevant accreditation scheme between April 2012 and March 2013.

We will continue to accept and process claims that are submitted to up to six months after the accreditation contribution scheme comes to an end, ie. until 30 September 2013.

Please note that we will only accept applications for a contribution towards the cost of accreditation if:

• the provider holds a current LSC contract in the relevant category of law
• the accredited individual undertakes legal aid work in the relevant category for the provider at the time of application
• it is submitted within six months of the date of accreditation
• it is for a successful accreditation.

No LSC contribution has been made towards the accredited individual's current membership of a different accreditation panel.

For more information

Contact Emma Boniface