Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Legal Advice and Assistance Regulations 1989 so as to:—

(a)

increase, with effect from 7th April 1997, the weekly income limits for legal advice and assistance (other than assistance by way of representation “ABWOR”) from £75 to £77; for non-contributory ABWOR from £67 to £69, and for contributory ABWOR from £162 to £166;

(b)

make provision for applications for ABWOR by a person at risk of imprisonment for failure to comply with a court order;

(c)

provide that a payment made under the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 shall be disregarded in computing disposable income; and

(d)

amend the remuneration arrangements for a solicitor acting for a legally assisted person serving a sentence of detention during Her Majesty’s pleasure whose case is referred to the Parole Board under section 32(2) or 39(4) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53).