Following last year’s announcement from the Ministry of Justice that defence fees would be increased, the disparity between defence and prosecution fees had led to a shortage of barristers to undertake prosecution work, further exacerbating backlogs.
The Treasury has approved funding to the CPS to permit parity to be maintained between prosecution and defence fees.
Welcoming the news, Chair of the Bar Nick Vineall KC said:
“This is very welcome news. The disparity between defence and prosecution fees has caused a shortage in the availability of prosecutors and this has been a particular concern in relation to RASSO (rape and serious sexual offence) cases. We heard examples from all circuits in England and Wales of cases being adjourned, sometimes multiple times, due to the lack of available prosecutors.
“Alongside the Criminal Bar Association and CPS, we made representations to the Government, and we are pleased that the Treasury has agreed to enable the CPS to achieve parity with defence fees.”