The Legal Aid for Crown Court Proceedings (Costs) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2005

Time limits

19.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the time limit within which any act is required or authorised to be done under these Rules may, for good reason, be extended –

(a) in the case of acts required or authorised to be done under rule 14, 15, 16 or 17, by the taxing master or the High Court as the case may be; and

(b) in the case of acts required or authorised to be done by a representative under any other rule, by the Commission.

(2) Where a representative without good reason has failed (or, if an extension were not granted, would fail) to comply with a time limit, the Commission, the taxing master or the High Court, as the case may be, may, in exceptional circumstances, extend the time limit and shall consider whether it is reasonable in the circumstances to reduce the costs; provided that the costs shall not be reduced unless the representative has been permitted a reasonable opportunity to show cause orally or in writing why the costs should not be reduced.

(3) A representative may appeal to the taxing master against a decision made under this rule by the Commission and such an appeal shall be instituted within 21 days of receiving notification of the decision by giving notice in writing to the taxing master specifying the grounds of appeal.