The legal aid bill saw significant spending on criminal cases in 2023-24 and 2024-25, according to figures released by the Treasury
Dr Alex Allison released the figures after a question from Onchan MHK Ms Edge.
Criminal legal aid costs totalled £1.3 million in 2023-24, rising to £1.4 million the following year, with 336 and 366 cases billed respectively.
Civil legal aid, by contrast, cost £197,829 in 2023-24 and £28,905 in 2024-25, though the latter figure is expected to rise as cases conclude.
Applications
Dr Allinson, noted that “not all applications proceed to receiving Legal Aid Certification,” with reasons including disqualification or case discontinuation.
Of 206 civil applications in 2023-24, 174 were approved, while 176 of 205 succeeded in 2024-25.
Additional costs came from the ‘Green Form’ scheme, providing initial legal advice without full certification.
Civil family cases accounted for £172,614 in 2023-24, dropping to £152,844 the following year. Criminal Green Form costs rose from £41,437 to £52,492.
The Police and Courts Duty Advocate Schemes also saw increased spending, from £835,133 to £949,058. Dr Allinson emphasised that “data for 2024-25 is as yet unaudited.”
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