The stand-off between the Legal Services Commission (LSC) and criminal defence firms in Hull has hardened, after the LSC signed up firms from outside the area to help cover their work.


The depth of the dispute emerged during a parliamentary debate last week on the government's response to the constitutional affairs select committee's report on its legal aid reforms. During the debate, Maria Eagle, the new under-secretary of state for justice and a former solicitor, gave no concessions on the government's programme of reform - despite criticism of the plans from speakers on all sides of the House.



The eight criminal defence practices in Hull resigned from the duty solicitor rota at Beverley Magistrates' Court in May after their firms were reclassified as urban providers, and were no longer entitled to be paid for travel and waiting on an hourly basis to attend at that court.



Scarborough firms Tubbs & Co and Jepson & Co have agreed to provide cover for the scheme, while Lancasters in Bridlington, which has always been on the Beverley rota, picked up extra slots.



The LSC said no special arrangements had been made with the firms and coverage operated within the general criminal contract. All three firms on the Beverley rota are within rural areas and can claim travel and waiting as they are outside the Kingston-upon-Hull urban area.



A spokeswoman for the commission said: 'The LSC has a responsibility to ensure that people have access to a solicitor at magistrates' court. When access is threatened, we must ensure cover.'



A judicial review action by firms in Hull over the LSC's proposals for payment for work done in magistrates' courts was rejected at first instance last week. Firms from the area also took part in national strike action in February this year.



Catherine Baksi