Lincoln House Chambers wishes to make the following clear, having had that which the government, in its offer to the CBA, was anxious to avoid – the opportunity to consult.
- The government’s decision not to implement the cuts to the graduated fees scheme is welcome. It is obviously a response to the pressure which the “no returns” policy was generating.
- However, the wider cuts agenda is wholly unacceptable. Members of Lincoln House Chambers will continue to operate the “no returns” policy, in line with other chambers on the Northern Circuit.
- Further, the fees under the VHCC scheme remain far below what is reasonable or acceptable. Members of chambers will continue to refuse work under the VHCC scheme and call upon all members of the bar to refuse such work.
- We deprecate the hostile comments aimed at the chairman and vice-chairman of the CBA. They have done a huge amount of work and were confronted by an impossible situation.
- We continue to support those solicitors who are refusing work at reduced rates. We will not accept work which they have refused.
- These policies will continue until debated at the EGM of the CBA and the EGM of the Northern Circuit.