A row has erupted between the Law Society and the Legal Services Commission (LSC) over figures indicating that spending on red tape in public funding has increased by one-third in the past few years.

The LSC's annual report revealed that the cost of administering legal aid was £96.4 million last year, up from £62.4 million in 1999/2000.


Law Society President Kevin Martin said he was 'alarmed' at the rising administration costs and hoped the Carter review of legal aid would 'bring direction' to the LSC's work. 'A growing number of people are unable to find a legal aid solicitor to help them improve their lives,' he argued. 'There are too many initiatives and no overall, coherent strategy.'



An LSC spokesman said there had been many changes that had increased its remit from that of the former Legal Aid Board - which only processed and paid bills - to other activities such as implementing contracts and audits.