Form guide plea

Today I have had a public funding application returned because my client had not signed a CLSAPP7.This was notwithstanding the fact that my client...Today I have had a public funding application returned because my client had not signed a CLSAPP7.This was notwithstanding the fact that my client is a respondent in existing proceedings, and that in the substantive application there are copies of the proceedings and notification of the next hearing date.

The substantive application has, of course, been signed by the client.I asked the Legal Services Commission why it was necessary for my client to sign a CLSAPP7, especially as I had endorsed the same stating that the contents were true.

I was told that 'rules were rules' but no explanation could be given.I would dearly wish to be enlightened as to why CLSAPP7 is necessary at all where there are existing proceedings and the applicant for public funding is a respondent in those proceedings.

For my own part, I cannot see how this form takes matters any further in that all the information required is already contained in the application form CLSAPP3 itself.

I would also ask, if justification can indeed be made for this additional form, why on earth does it need to be signed by the client as well as the instructing solicitor?Neil Donald, Ross Williams Solicitors, Hitchin, Hertfordshire