The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a consultation on changes to the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 for inquests. Responses from members of the legal profession working with bereaved families who have experience of the inquest process are welcomed.
The consultation will consider how the change in regulations – intended to “reduce the day-to-day bureaucracy faced by firms” – might apply to inquest cases.
Plans under consultation include a single fee scheme for legal help work conducted for inquests. The fees would be based on the current claims against public authorities guidelines.
The consultation also suggests bringing together fee rates for legal help and advocacy, including set fee rates for preparation and attendance, travel and waiting, routine letters and calls.
The changes under consultation are subject to successful passage of the government amendment and Royal Assent of the Bill. If it goes through, the MoJ plans to amend schedule 4 of the Remuneration Regulations.
Law Society of England and Wales president, Mark Evans, said: “The proposed changes in the way legal aid for inquests will work is a step in the right direction to reduce the day-to-day bureaucracy faced by firms. The structural changes will bring both advocacy and solicitors’ work under a single legal aid certificate, creating a simpler and more efficient system.”
He added: “We remain concerned, however, about the level of funding the government is proposing to put into the system. It will be nowhere near adequate to secure sufficient capacity to handle the vast increase in the number of inquests in which families will qualify for legal aid.
“Without enough lawyers to undertake this work, bereaved families will not find themselves on the level playing field this legislation offers them.”
The consultation will be open for six weeks, closing on 19th June 2026. Anyone with an interest in the provision of legal aid for inquests conducted within England and Wales can respond.
A response to the consultation is set to be published by autumn this year.
