Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2015/195
Timestamp: 2020-01-17 22:55:21
Document Index: 694637161

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'ART 2', 'art 5', 'art 2', 'ART 3', 'art 3', 'ART 5', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6']

Changes over time for: The Civil Legal Services (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015
The Department of Justice makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by Articles 12(3), 13, 14(6), 15 and 34(1) of the Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 F1, and now vested in it F2.
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Civil Legal Services (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 and shall come into operation on 1st April 2015.
(3) Nothing in the provisions revoked by these Regulations shall take effect in relation to any of the circumstances to which Article 3(1)(a) to (d) of the Access to Justice (2003 Order) (Commencement No. 7, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 F3.
“the Appeal Regulations” means the Civil Legal Services (Appeal) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 F4;
“applicant” means an individual who applies for civil legal services;
“application” means an application to receive funded services made by or on behalf of an individual in accordance with these Regulations;
[F5“assessing authority” means—
in respect of representation (higher courts) and exceptional funding, the Director;]
“assisted party” means an individual in receipt of advice and assistance, or in respect of whom a certificate, or emergency certificate, is in force;
“certificate” means a certificate issued under regulation 16 certifying a decision to fund representation for an individual, and “emergency certificate” means a certificate issued under regulation 17 certifying a decision to fund representation for an individual in a case of emergency;
“civil partner” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 F6;
“child” has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the Order;
“contribution” means the amount of an individual's contribution under the Financial Regulations;
“costs” means, in the case of a solicitor, the remuneration and disbursements payable under the Remuneration Order and, in the case of counsel, the remuneration payable under that provision;
“the Costs Regulations” means the Civil Legal Services (Costs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 F7;
“the court” includes the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the Court of Judicature, the county court, the magistrates' court and any tribunal in Northern Ireland;
“counsel” means a barrister called to the Bar of Northern Ireland, holding a current practising certificate;
“the Director” means the Director of Legal Aid Casework designated by the Department under section 2 of the Legal Aid and Coroners' Courts Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 F8;
“the Financial Regulations” means the Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 F9;
“in writing” includes a reference to an electronic communication;
“the Mental Health Review Tribunal” means the Mental Health Review Tribunal for Northern Ireland constituted under Article 70 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 F10;
“next friend” and “guardian ad litem” have the respective meanings given by—
Part 2 of Order 3 of the County Court Rules (Northern Ireland) 1981 F11, in relation to proceedings brought in the county court, and
Order 80 of the Court of Judicature Rules (Northern Ireland) 1980 F12, in relation to proceedings brought in the High Court;
“the Order” means the Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 F13;
“patient” has the meaning given by Article 2 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;
“the Remuneration Order” means the Civil Legal Services (Remuneration) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 F14;
“representation (higher courts)” means representation in proceedings—
in the county court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court;
before any person to whom a case is referred (in whole or in part) in any proceedings within paragraph (a);
in the Crown Court to the extent specified in paragraph 2(ba), (bb) or (c) of Schedule 2 to the Order;
before the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, the Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland or the Special Immigration Appeals Commission;
before the First-Tier Tribunal to the extent specified in paragraph 2(ia) of Schedule 2 to the Order;
before the Upper Tribunal to the extent specified in paragraph 2(ib) of Schedule 2 to the Order; or
in the Enforcement of Judgments Office to the extent specified in paragraph 2(j) of Schedule 2 to the Order;
“representation (lower courts)” means representation in proceedings—
in a court of summary jurisdiction to the extent specified in paragraph 2(d) and (hh) of Schedule 2 to the Order; or
before the Mental Health Review Tribunal;
“the Statutory Charge Regulations” means the Civil Legal Services (Statutory Charge) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 F15;
“supplier” means the solicitor or counsel, where applicable, being requested to provide funded services to an individual;
“vexatious litigant” means an individual in respect of whom an order has been made by the Court of Judicature under section 32 of the Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 F16.
F4S.R. 2015 No. 197
F5Words in reg. 2 substituted (4.3.2019) by The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 3
F7S.R. 2015 No. 198
F82014.c. 11 (N.I.)
F9S.R. 2015 No. 196
F10S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 1)
F11S.R. 1981 No. 225
F12S.R. 1980 No. 346
F13S.I. 2003/344 (N.I. 10)
F14S.R. 2015 No. 201
F15S.R. 2015 No. 200
F161978 c. 23
PART 2 N.I.COMMON PROVISIONS
Civil Legal ServicesN.I.
3. Civil legal services shall be available to any individual—
(a)who is eligible under these Regulations and the Financial Regulations to receive advice and assistance; or
(b)to whom a certificate has been issued in accordance with these Regulations.
NotificationN.I.
4.—(1) Where these Regulations provide for notice to be given, one or more of the following methods of delivery must be used—
(b)post;
(c)electronic mail;
(d)if served together with any process of a court, by any mode of service authorised by rules of court for service of that process; or
(e)any method authorised in writing by the Director.
(2) Where the notice is required by these Regulations to be provided to a supplier, such notice must be delivered to the business address of the supplier.
(3) Where the intended recipient is not a supplier, notice must be delivered to that individual's usual or last known residence or business address.
(b)in the case of a patient, the patient's spouse or civil partner, or committee appointed under Part 5 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 F17, or nearest relative or guardian within the meaning of Part 2 of that Order;
F17S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4)
Civil Legal Services from more than one supplierN.I.
9.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an individual shall not be given civil legal services for the same matter by more than one supplier without the prior authority of the Director, and such authority may be given on such terms and conditions as the Director may consider appropriate in the circumstances of the application.
(2) Where regulations 34 or 40 apply, an individual may be given civil legal services for the same matter by more than one supplier without the prior authority of the Director, provided that the cost shall not exceed that which would have been incurred by one supplier.
CounselN.I.
11.—(1) Where it appears to a supplier that the proper conduct of civil legal services requires the instruction of counsel, the supplier shall apply to the Director for authorisation to instruct counsel under this regulation.
(2) If the Director considers that the proper conduct of the civil legal services requires counsel, the Director may grant authorisation to instruct counsel on such conditions as the Director considers appropriate.
(b)the assisted party has been adjudicated bankrupt or an order has been made in relation to the assisted party under Article 226 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 F18; or
F18S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19)
Review of decisions and determinationsN.I.
14.—(1) Within twenty eight days of receipt of notification of a decision or determination relating to civil legal services, an applicant, assisted party or supplier may—
(a)apply to the Director in a form specified by the Department for a review of the decision or determination; and
(b)include written representations supporting the request for review.
(2) Upon receipt of a request for a review under this regulation, the Director shall—
(a)consider the request and any written representations provided;
(b)affirm, amend or substitute the decision or determination; and
(c)notify the applicant, assisted party or supplier, as applicable, of the decision or determination following the review.
(3) If, in the circumstances, the Director considers it appropriate to do so, the Director may review, affirm, amend or substitute a decision or determination without a request by an applicant, assisted party or supplier.
(10) Without prejudice to regulation 19 of the Financial Regulations, the Director shall not require [F19a re-determination of] an applicant's disposable income or capital in circumstances in which an application for a certificate is made relating to proceedings—
F19Words in reg. 15(10) substituted (4.3.2019) by The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 4
(6) If the Director considers it appropriate to do so, the Director may issue an emergency certificate [F20without reference to a determination in respect of an applicant’s disposable income or capital] .
F20Words in reg. 17(6) substituted (4.3.2019) by The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 5
(h)if the Director has cause to believe that the assisted party has been adjudicated bankrupt or an order has been made in relation to the assisted party under Article 226 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 F21; or
F21S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19)
Effect of suspension of certificateN.I.
20.—(1) Where a certificate is suspended, the Department shall not be liable during the period of suspension for any costs incurred in proceedings to which the certificate relates.
(2) The holder of a certificate which has been suspended shall remain liable to pay any contribution previously assessed as payable, or which has been assessed as payable on any re-determination.
Reinstatement of suspended certificateN.I.
21.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may reinstate a suspended certificate if satisfied that the decision to suspend it was made—
(a)on grounds which no longer exist;
(b)without taking into consideration a relevant matter; or
(c)on the basis of an administrative error.
(2) Where the Director reinstates a certificate, written notification shall be given to the assisted party and to the supplier.
Discharge of certificates by the DirectorN.I.
22.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Director may discharge a certificate—
(a)at any time at the request of the individual to whom it is issued;
(b)if satisfied, after considering any report of the supplier, that the proceedings to which the certificate relates have been disposed of;
(c)where an assisted party's assessed contribution is more than twenty one days in arrears;
(d)as a result of written representations made by any person as to a change in the circumstances of the assisted party;
(e)if satisfied that an assisted party has (following the granting of a certificate) wilfully failed to comply with these Regulations by not furnishing any material information concerning anything other than their financial resources to the Department;
(f)if satisfied that an assisted party knowingly made an untrue statement in furnishing such information as referred to in sub-paragraph (e);
(g)if satisfied that an assisted party failed to attend for an interview or to provide information when so required under regulations 35(4), 41(4) or 49(3), as applicable;
(h)if satisfied that an assisted party has (following the granting of a certificate) made an untrue statement as to their resources or has failed to disclose any material fact concerning them;
(i)where the supplier has given up the case and the Director is satisfied that the assisted party has required the proceedings to be conducted unreasonably so as to incur an unjustifiable expense to the Department or has required unreasonably that the proceedings be continued;
(j)if satisfied that the supplier has been unable to obtain further instructions or that the supplier can make no further progress in the proceedings to which the certificate relates;
(k)if satisfied that the assisted party has died;
(l)if satisfied that the assisted party has been adjudicated bankrupt or an order has been made in relation to the assisted party under Article 226 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 F22; or
(m)if satisfied that the assisted party has been declared by the Court of Judicature to be a vexatious litigant.
(2) A certificate may not be discharged under paragraph (1)(c), (e) to (j), (l) and (m) until notice has been served on the assisted party and the supplier that the certificate may be discharged and the assisted party has been given a reasonable opportunity to make written representations as to why the certificate should not be discharged.
(3) A certificate may not be discharged under paragraph (1)(e), (f) or (h) if the assisted party or the supplier satisfies the Director that the assisted party used due care and diligence to avoid such misstatement or failure.
(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the Director shall discharge a certificate if—
(a)as a result of a determination or redetermination by an assessing authority it appears that the disposable income of the assisted party exceeds the maximum amount which makes the particular civil legal services available to an applicant under the Financial Regulations;
(b)as a result of a determination or redetermination by an assessing authority, it appears that the disposable capital of the assisted party is of an amount which renders the assisted party liable to be refused civil legal services under the Financial regulations;
(c)it appears that the assisted party can afford to proceed without a certificate, and the probable costs which might reasonably be incurred by the assisted party in continuing the proceedings, otherwise than as an assisted party, would not exceed the maximum contribution payable under the determination; or
(d)as a result of any information coming to the knowledge of the Director causing the Director to consider that the assisted party—
(i)no longer has reasonable grounds for taking, defending or being a party to the proceedings; or
(ii)that it is unreasonable in the particular circumstances for the assisted party to continue to receive civil legal services.
(5) A certificate may not be discharged under paragraph (4) until notice has been served on the assisted party and the supplier that the certificate may be discharged and the assisted party has been given a reasonable opportunity to make written representations as to why the certificate should not be discharged.
(6) If a certificate is discharged under this regulation, the Director shall notify the supplier and the assisted party in writing and shall include the reasons for such discharge.
(7) It shall be the duty of the supplier to notify, as soon as practicable, instructed counsel in proceedings to which the certificate relates, that the certificate has been discharged.
F22S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19)
Reinstatement of discharged certificateN.I.
25.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may reinstate a certificate, which has been discharged under regulation 22, if satisfied that the decision to discharge it was made—
(2) The Director may not reinstate a certificate under paragraph (1) if any costs of the proceedings to which the certificate related incurred by or on behalf of the assisted party have been taxed or assessed, as applicable, under the Remuneration Order.
(3) Where the Director reinstates a certificate notification shall be given to the assisted party and to the supplier.
Revocation of certificates by the DirectorN.I.
26.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may revoke a certificate—
(a)if satisfied that an assisted party has (either in making an application for a certificate or following the granting of a certificate) wilfully failed to comply with these Regulations by not furnishing any material information concerning anything other than their financial resources to the Department;
(b)if satisfied that the assisted party has made an untrue statement in furnishing such information as referred to in sub-paragraph (a);
(c)if satisfied that an assisted party has (either in making an application for a certificate or following the granting of a certificate) made an untrue statement as to their financial resources or has failed to disclose any material fact concerning them; or
(d)if satisfied that the assisted party failed to attend for an interview or to provide information when so required under regulations 35(4), 41(4) or 49(3), as applicable.
(2) A certificate may not be revoked under paragraph (1) until notice has been served on the assisted party and the supplier that the certificate may be revoked and the assisted party has been given a reasonable opportunity to make written representations as to why the certificate should not be revoked.
(3) A certificate may not be revoked under paragraph (1) (a) to (c) if the assisted party or the supplier satisfies the Director that the assisted party used due care and diligence to avoid such misstatement or failure.
[F23(4) If a certificate is revoked under this regulation, the Director shall notify the supplier and the assisted party in writing and shall include the reasons for such revocation.
(5) It shall be the duty of the supplier to notify, as soon as practicable, instructed counsel in proceedings to which the certificate relates, that the certificate has been revoked.]
F23Reg. 26(4)(5) inserted (11.10.2016) by The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016/337), regs. 1(1), 3
Effect of revocation of certificateN.I.
28.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, an individual whose certificate is revoked shall be deemed never to have been an assisted party in relation to the proceedings to which the certificate related.
(2) Upon receipt of notice of revocation of a certificate, the retainer of any supplier acting on behalf of the assisted party in the proceedings to which the certificate relates shall terminate.
(a)the costs of the proceedings to which the certificate related, incurred by or on behalf of the individual to whom it was issued, shall, as soon as practicable, thereafter be taxed or assessed, as applicable, under the Remuneration Order; and
(4) Where a certificate has been revoked, the provisions of the Statutory Charge Regulations which provide for a charge upon property recovered or preserved for an assisted party shall apply to any property recovered or preserved as a result of the individual whose certificate has been revoked continuing to take, defend or be a party to the proceedings to which the certificate related.
(5) For the purpose of paragraph (4), reference to an individual whose certificate has been revoked shall include the individual's personal representative, trustee, trustee in bankruptcy or the Official Receiver, as appropriate.
(6) Where a certificate has been revoked—
(a)the Department shall have the right to recover from the individual to whom the certificate was issued the costs paid or payable under paragraph (3)(b) less any amount received by way of contribution; and
(b)the supplier who has acted under the certificate shall have the right to recover from that individual the difference between the amount paid or payable by the Department and the full amount of the supplier and own client costs.
Reinstatement of revoked certificateN.I.
29.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may reinstate a certificate, which has been revoked under regulation 26 if satisfied that the decision to revoke it was made—
(2) The Director may not reinstate a certificate under paragraph (1) if—
(a)any costs of the proceedings to which the certificate related incurred by or on behalf of the assisted party have been taxed or assessed, as applicable, under the Remuneration Order; or
(b)any costs have been recovered under regulation 28(6).
(3) Where the Director reinstates a certificate, notification shall be given to the assisted party and to the supplier.
PART 3 N.I.ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE
Applications for advice and assistanceN.I.
31.—(1) Subject to regulations 6, 7 and 34, an application for advice and assistance shall be made by an applicant in person to the supplier from whom the advice and assistance is sought.
(2) Where more than one separate matter is involved each matter shall be the subject of a separate application for advice and assistance except where—
(a)the matters are connected with or arising from proceedings for divorce or judicial separation, whether actual or prospective between the applicant and the applicant's spouse or civil partner; or
(b)the Director considers that two or more matters are so closely related that they should be covered under one application.
(3) The applicant shall, except where regulation 34 or an exemption under regulation 4 of the Financial Regulations applies, furnish the supplier with the information necessary to enable the supplier to determine—
(a)the applicant's disposable capital;
(b)where appropriate, whether the applicant is in receipt of any benefit or allowance referred to in regulation 5 of the Financial Regulations; and
(c)the applicant's disposable income.
(4) The information required by this regulation shall be furnished on a form or forms approved by the Department or such other manner as the Director may accept as sufficient in the circumstances of the application.
(5) Where, prior to receiving advice and assistance, an assisted party has wilfully failed to comply with the provisions of these Regulations as to the information to be furnished or, in furnishing such information, has knowingly made a false statement or false representation, the Director may declare that the advice so given was not given under the Order and these Regulations.
(6) Where the Director makes a declaration makes a declaration under paragraph (5), the Director shall notify the assisted party and the supplier.
(7) Where the Director makes a declaration under paragraph (5) and complies with the requirements of paragraph (6), the Department shall be entitled to recover from the assisted party any sums paid by the Department in respect of the advice and assistance given.
ExtensionsN.I.
32.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where it appears to the supplier that the cost of giving advice and assistance is likely to exceed £88.00, the supplier shall apply to the Director for an extension and shall furnish such information as may enable the Director to consider and determine that application.
(2) No extension shall be required under paragraph (1) if the advice and assistance relates to matters of such a kind, and its cost will not exceed such an amount, as may be specified in any notice given by the Director, granting a general authority to suppliers to exceed the said limit in the classes of case mentioned in the notice.
(3) The Director shall approve an extension under paragraph (1) if satisfied that—
(a)it is reasonable for the advice and assistance to be given; and
(b)the estimated amount of the costs to be incurred in giving advice and assistance is fair and reasonable.
(4) If the Director approves an extension under paragraph (1) the Director—
(a)shall notify the supplier and prescribe such higher limit as the Director considers appropriate; and
(b)may limit the advice and assistance to such subject matter as the Director considers appropriate.
(5) In this regulation, “an extension” means the grant of prior authority to exceed the limit applicable under paragraph (1).
(2) In this regulation “serious service offence” means any offence under the Army Act 1955 F24, the Air Force Act 1955 F25 or the Naval Discipline Act 1957 F26 which cannot be dealt with summarily or which appears to an interviewing service police officer to be serious.
F241955 c. 18
F251955 c. 19
F261957 c. 53
35.—(1) Where it appears to the supplier that an individual requires representation in respect of any of those proceedings listed in paragraph 2(d), (g) [F27, (hh) or (ja) to (jc)] of Schedule 2 to the Order, an application for a certificate under this Part may be submitted to the Director.
F27Words in reg. 35(1) substituted (11.10.2016) by The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016/337), regs. 1(1), 4
(b)is not made or approved at a time when the party to proceedings is in receipt of a certificate issued under these Regulations or a certificate issued under Part 3 of the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 F28 in respect of the same proceedings.
F28S.I. 1981/228 (N.I. 8)
PART 5 N.I.REPRESENTATION (HIGHER COURTS)
41.—(1) Where it appears to the supplier that an individual requires representation in respect of any proceedings listed in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Order, an application for a certificate under this Part may be submitted to the Director.
(3) The applicant shall furnish the supplier with the information and supporting documentary evidence necessary to enable the Director F29... to determine—
(a)the nature of the proceedings in relation to which a certificate under this Part is sought and the circumstances in which representation is required;
(b)whether the requirements of regulation 43(1) are met; and
(c)unless an exemption applies under regulation 4 of the Financial Regulations—
(i)the applicant's disposable income;
(ii)the applicant's disposable capital;
(iii)whether the applicant is in receipt of any benefit or allowance referred to in regulation 5 of the Financial Regulations; and
(iv)the applicant's maximum contribution.
(4) The applicant shall, if required by the Director F30..., attend for an interview or supply such further information or documents as may be required.
(6) An application may not be treated as withdrawn under paragraph (5) unless the Director has notified the applicant and the supplier that the application may be treated as withdrawn unless the applicant complies with a requirement under paragraph (3) within a specified period.
(7) The information required by this regulation shall be furnished on a form or forms approved by the Department or such other manner as the Director may accept as sufficient in the circumstances of the case.
F29Words in reg. 41(3) omitted (4.3.2019) by virtue of The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 6(a)
F30Words in reg. 41(4) omitted (4.3.2019) by virtue of The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 6(b)
42.—(1) Unless the Director has previously refused the application (and there has been no change in circumstances) or an exemption applies under regulation 4 of the Financial Regulations, the Director shall F31... assess the applicant's disposable income and disposable capital.
F31Words in reg. 42(1) omitted (4.3.2019) by virtue of The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 7
43.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an application for a certificate under this Part shall not be granted unless—
(a)it is shown that there are reasonable grounds for taking, defending or being a party to the proceedings to which the application relates; and
(b)the applicant has signed an undertaking to pay any required contribution.
(2) An application for a certificate under this Part may be refused if, in the circumstances of the case, it appears to the Director—
(a)to be unreasonable that a certificate should be granted;
(b)to be more appropriate that an application for a certificate should be made under Part 4; or
(c)that only a trivial advantage would be gained by the applicant in taking, defending or being a party to the proceedings to which the application relates, or, owing to the simple nature of the proceedings, a supplier would not ordinarily be employed.
46.—(1) If the Director refuses an application for a certificate under this Part, the Director shall notify the applicant and the supplier and shall state the reasons for such refusal.
(2) If the Director refuses an application for authority under regulation 44, the Director shall notify the supplier, and shall state the reasons for such refusal.
(3) Where notification is given under paragraph (1) or (2), the Director shall inform the applicant and the supplier, or supplier only, as applicable, of the right of the right of review under regulation 14 and any right of appeal under Part 2 of the Appeal Regulations.
(b)is not made or approved at a time when the party to proceedings is in receipt of a certificate issued under these Regulations or a certificate issued under Part 3 of the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 F32 in respect of the same proceedings.
F32S.I. 1981/228 (N.I. 8)
(2) The applicant shall furnish the supplier with the information and supporting documentary evidence necessary to enable the Director F33... to determine—
(3) The applicant shall, if required by the Director F34..., attend for an interview or supply such further information or documents as may be required.
F33Words in reg. 49(2) omitted (4.3.2019) by virtue of The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 8(a)
F34Words in reg. 49(3) omitted (4.3.2019) by virtue of The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 8(b)
50.—(1) Unless the Director has previously refused the application (and there has been no change in circumstances), the Director shall F35... assess the applicant's disposable income and disposable capital.
F35Words in reg. 50(1) omitted (4.3.2019) by virtue of The Civil Legal Services (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. 2019/13), regs. 1, 9
The Legal Aid (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1965 No. 217 Regulations 1 to 3, 4, 5(1), (3) to (7), (9) and (11) to (13), 6(1) to (4), (7), (8) and (10) to (13), 7 to 13A, 15, 16, 21A(1) to (3), 21B and 28
The Legal Advice and Assistance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1981 No. 366 Regulations 1, 2, 5, 6, 7A(2), 8, 8A(2) to (5), 9 to 16, 17(3)(a), (b)(i) to (iii) and (4) to (6), 19, 20, 21 and 28, together with Schedule 3
These Regulations make provision about the making and withdrawal of determinations that an individual qualifies for civil legal services under Articles 12(3), 13, 14(6), 15 and 34(1) of the Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
Part 1 defines expressions used in the Regulations (including the different forms of civil legal services which are available).
Part 2 makes provisions which are common to all civil legal services. Regulation 4 makes provision about notification. Regulations 5 to 8 make provisions relating to applications for civil legal services. Regulation 11 makes provision for applications for authority to instruct counsel to be made. Regulation 12 makes provision for the Director to require information to be provided by a supplier, notwithstanding privilege between a supplier and client, and notwithstanding correspondence having been marked “without prejudice”. Regulation 14 describes the circumstances in which the Director may review decisions and determinations. Regulations 15 to 29 make general provisions for certificates to be issued, amended, suspended, discharged, revoked and reinstated. Regulation 30 makes provision for prohibitory directions to be made, and prescribes the effect of such a direction.
Part 3 sets out the procedure for applications for Advice and Assistance under civil legal services. Regulation 32 prescribes the maximum amount payable under this Part and the procedure for applying for an extension. It also makes provision for the Department to grant a general authority for Advice and Assistance in particular classes of cases. Regulation 34 makes provision for Advice and Assistance to be given at police stations.
Part 4 sets out the procedure for applications for Representation (Lower Courts) under civil legal services. Regulation 37 makes provision for the determination, by the Director, of applications under this Part.
Part 5 sets out the procedure for applications for Representation (Higher Courts) under civil legal services. Regulation 43 makes provision for the determination, by the Director, of applications under this Part. Regulation 44 makes provision for certain aspects of the conduct of proceedings. It also makes provision for the Department to grant a general authority for particular matters in particular classes of cases.
Part 6 sets out the procedure for applications for exceptional funding under civil legal services. Regulation 51 makes provision for the determination, by the Director, of applications under this Part.