I write in response to Mark Thompson’s letter ‘Swings and roundabouts?’ (see [2008] Gazette, 2 October, 9). It is clear that, in this case, Mr Thompson has a client who has required considerable extra work to be undertaken on their behalf.

All cases committed to the Crown Court for sentence are paid for by the same fixed fee. Some will require more work than others. These are the swings and roundabouts that will balance out over time to provide the reasonable level of remuneration for the work.

We are conducting an interim review of the first six months of the new scheme. Part of the review is covering whether the value of the fixed fees payable is at the appropriate level. We are meeting the Law Society as part of the review process. I would also invite individual practitioners to feed back to us their comments on the new scheme.

Carolyn Regan, Chief executive, Legal Services Commission