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8. The Commissioner will consider the request and take an in principle decision whether to grant or refuse payment. This will be communicated to the Officers or their representatives in writing, with a copy of the Schedule of Fees for reference.
9. At the conclusion of the legal proceedings the Commissioner will make a final decision on the financial assistance request and notify the Officers or their representatives in writing of the decision. The written decision will include the reasons for the decision to grant or refuse funding.
10. The Officers or their representatives will keep the Commissioner and Chief Constable informed throughout the process until any claim is concluded.
Fees
Reproduced below are the current costs within which any application should be framed:
a) Subject to the points listed below a blended hourly rate will be paid at £100 for all fee earners
b) Travel to be allowed at £50 per hour
c) Attending court with Counsel or at conference with Counsel, to be charged at 2/3rds of the blended hourly rate
d) No mark-up on fees
e) No fees for administrative work
f) Photocopying: the first 500 sheets supplied free of charge and thereafter at 10 pence per sheet plus VAT
g) No charge allowed for solicitors’ hotel or travel expenses (save for within a 10-mile radius)
h) No fees to be charged for waiting at court
i) Prior approval is required as follows:
o All disbursements, including Counsels fees over £1,000.00
o Use of two or more Counsel
j) Billing. Bills to be submitted per quarter or at £5,000 profit costs (whichever is the sooner) and in the following format:
o Interim bill number / Final bill
o Dates (from x and to y)
o Names of fee earners
o Correspondence (i.e. number of letters and telephone calls)
o Time engaged (client / opponent / witness / court / experts /documents)
o Travelling (if applicable)
o Disbursements (with supporting vouchers)
k) Other requirements at outset and during proceedings:
o Type of legal proceedings in which you are applying for funding
o Reasons why there is conflict and separate legal representation is necessary
o Estimate as to legal costs (including solicitors, Counsel and experts) o Case plan at outset
o Interim case plan (if substantial change in position)
o Revised estimate as to costs (if necessary) and reasons
o Immediate notification of hearing date and time estimate plus
o estimated fees (both Counsel and solicitor)
11. It is imperative that all applications submitted adhere to the above conditions as, in the case of extreme claims or where notification has not been complied with, the Force and the Commissioner may decide not to support the application for a contribution toward the costs and the member of staff’s entire redress may have to lie with the relevant staff association or union.