Counting the cost

I note that, yet again, criminal legal aid solicitors are not to receive an increase in costs rates (see [2002] Gazette, 5 April, 1).

I tend to view this with complete resignation as we so rarely receive pay-rate increases.My main concern is that current proposals by the Criminal Defence Service are to reduce 'out of hours' duty solicitor rates drastically.

I have made representations on the consultation paper and would urge all other criminal solicitors to do so.

If the Criminal Defence Service is simply met with silence on this point we will find that we are being paid even less for losing weekends, evenings, bank holidays and public holidays at home.Nicholas Bates, solicitor, Basingstoke