The London criminal legal aid market will be split into bid zones when competitive tendering arrives for contracts next July, Richard Collins, head of the Criminal Defence Service, told last week's London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association conference.

Mr Collins said firms will bid for a percentage of work in each zone, with some leeway to act for clients who commit crimes in other areas. Half of the 500 criminal law firms in London will win contacts, with less micro-management by the Legal Services Commission. A proposal document is to be produced shortly.

Association chairman Robert Brown complained about the lack of 'flesh on bones' of the proposals given the effect they would have on 250 firms.