Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Criminal Defence Service (General) (No. 2) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1437), which deal with advice and assistance and representation in criminal cases funded by the Legal Services Commission as part of the Criminal Defence Service. They provide that for the purposes of such legal services, proceedings relating to serious crime prevention orders under the Serious Crime Act 2007 are to be regarded as criminal proceedings. They also provide for an increase in the financial eligibility limits for advice and assistance in respect of applications made on or after 7th April 2008.

An impact assessment has not been prepared for this instrument as it has no impact on businesses, charities or voluntary bodies.