I would like to reassure Rodney Warren (see [2009] Gazette, 11 June, 11) that we are actively engaging with representative bodies to ensure providers are prepared for change, should best value tendering (BVT) progress.

The Criminal Contract Consultative Group, of which Rodney is a member, meets regularly to enable representative bodies to raise issues, and there have been specific discussions in relation to BVT. In addition, we have met Bar Council and Advice Services Alliance (ASA) representatives, and briefed providers on our proposals at the ASA annual conference and the Law Society Finance forum. Carolyn Regan, the LSC’s chief executive, and I also meet Rodney on a regular basis, as we do the Law Society, Legal Aid Practitioners Group and the Bar Council.

We have also sought views on training needs from over 1,000 solicitors who attended the 55 BVT consultation events we held, as well as discussing the issue with Provider Reference Groups.

I would also like to explain that Andrew Keogh’s figure of how many criminal defence firms will exist if BVT progresses (see [2009] Gazette, 4 June, 2) is based on misplaced assumptions.

First, we have proposed a minimum of eight contracted organisations per individual police station scheme, rather than each Criminal Justice System area. Given that there are 42 Criminal Justice Areas and 259 schemes this differs significantly from his assumption.

Second, we have proposed a minimum rather than maximum number of contracts. It cannot be assumed that only eight contracts would be awarded per scheme; we expect more to be awarded in some schemes.

We will be studying responses to the consultation and will take into account all views expressed by respondents before deciding how best to progress with the criminal reform programme.

Hugh Barrett, Executive director for commissioning, Legal Services Commission