Section 3: Standards of service
68.Section 3 makes provision about setting and monitoring standards of legal aid services.
69.Subsections (1) and (2) enable the Lord Chancellor to set quality standards for those providing or wishing to provide legal aid services and to establish a system of accreditation of those providers. Accreditation may be by the Lord Chancellor or by persons authorised by the Lord Chancellor. Any accreditation arrangements must make provision about the monitoring of the services provided by those who are accredited and for the withdrawal of accreditation if the services are unsatisfactory.
70.Subsections (4) and (5) allow the Lord Chancellor, and those authorised by the Lord Chancellor, to make charges in connection with accreditation and monitoring.