Members of the Criminal Bar Association have voted to accept a Government proposal on the AGFS legal aid fee structure for criminal cases.
Following lengthy negotiations between the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), the Government and Ministry of Justice an improved offer was put forward benefiting both the CBA members and criminal solicitors.
In a further ballot of the members of the CBA, which closed last night, 57% of the membership voted in favour of accepting the proposal made by the Government. Therefore, the current strike action is suspended as of 5.00pm on 10th October with an immediate return to work thereafter.
https://www.criminalbar.com/resources/news/ballot-results-october-2022/
We would once again like to thank our clients for their continued support throughout the process. It has been a difficult period for the criminal justice system and we hope the action taken continues to focus the Government in prioritising the criminal justice system and implementing more of the recommendations put forward in Sir Christopher Bellamy’s Criminal Legal Aid Review.
Thanks once again for your support.
Michael Brady KC.
The Criminal Bar has voted to accept the proposal made by the Government.
— The CBA (@TheCriminalBar) October 10, 2022
With 57% voting to accept the offer made by Government
Action is suspended from 18.00hrs this evening
The Criminal Bar Association has a long history of respecting and unifying around the majority vote.