Government announces fee increases effective 22 December 2025
The Ministry of Justice has published its response to the consultation on Criminal Legal Aid solicitor fee scheme reforms. These changes will come into force from 22 December 2025 and will require updates to Proclaim to accommodate the new fee structure.
What's changing?
The Government has confirmed the following fee increases which will affect Proclaim;
Police Station Work
Fixed fee harmonised to £320 (excluding VAT)
Escape fee threshold harmonised to £650 (excluding VAT)
Magistrates' Court Fees
All representation fees uplifted by 10% (including Youth Court fees)
Prison Law Fees
All fees uplifted by 24%
Appeals Work
Fees uplifted by 10%
How will this affect Proclaim?
We'll be implementing system changes to ensure Proclaim correctly applies these new rates (which will more than likely be known as D25 rates) and ensuring billing routines are updated to accommodate these.
Please note: These changes are separate from the fee code routine updates that were recently introduced.
What happens next?
We're currently scoping the full extent of the changes required and will be in touch with further details regarding the implementation timeline.
We'll keep you informed as we progress with this work.
Need more information?
You can read the full Government consultation response here: Criminal Legal Aid Proposals for Solicitor Fee Scheme Reform