- The UK Ministry of Justice announced a significant increase in legal aid rates for immigration and asylum cases.
- This is the largest enhancement in legal aid rates since 1996.
- The decision follows a public consultation held earlier this year.
The UK Ministry of Justice has unveiled a major increase in legal aid rates for immigration and asylum cases the most substantial enhancement in the sector since 1996.
Following a public consultation earlier this year, officials confirmed that the revised rates will be introduced as soon as logistical arrangements allow, aiming to offer critical relief to an overstretched system.
Under the newly approved framework, hourly pay for legal professionals handling immigration and asylum matters will see steep hikes, in some cases up to 41%. For example, hourly rates in London will climb from £52.65 to £69.30, while rates outside the capital will rise from £48.24 to £65.35. Fixed fees will also be raised significantly asylum legal help will now attract a fee of £559, up from the previous £413, a 35% increase.
Overall, the reform will result in a 30% boost to government spending on immigration legal aid, translating to an additional £20 million per year once fully rolled out.
The government says this funding surge is intended to improve legal access for vulnerable groups and to stabilize a sector that has long struggled with low profitability, high demand, and a shortage of staff.
Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman, described the announcement as a turning point. In a statement to Parliament, she noted:
“This is a landmark investment in civil legal aid the first of its scale in nearly 30 years. It will help people resolve immigration challenges more swiftly and support the sector’s long-term viability.”
Background and Broader Context
The consultation, launched in January 2025, was initiated amid escalating concerns about the growing asylum case backlog and mounting pressure on immigration services. The government acknowledged that legal aid providers, especially those dealing with asylum claims, were operating under unsustainable conditions.
Sackman highlighted that the enhancement of legal aid provisions aligns with the government’s wider immigration agenda, which includes phasing out hotel accommodation for asylum seekers and accelerating deportation processes.
The proposed changes will be enacted through amendments to the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 and updates to the 2024 Standard Civil Contract. Higher rates will apply to all new certificates or decisions on legal aid issued after the implementation date, which is contingent on necessary updates to digital and operational infrastructure.
Additional Reforms and Industry Reaction
In addition to increasing fees, the Ministry of Justice plans to streamline billing processes to ease administrative burdens. This includes harmonizing rates across similar types of cases and reviewing rules around in-person versus remote legal advice.
While the move has been cautiously welcomed by campaigners and legal aid providers many of whom have advocated for reform for years experts say ongoing oversight will be vital. They caution that increased funding must lead to measurable improvements in both service delivery and access to justice for vulnerable individuals.
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