Controlled workGetting paid for civil and family workControlled work:payment forGetting paid for civil and family workControlled work:payment forGetting paid for civil and family workControlled work:payment forGetting paid for civil and family workControlled work:payment forGetting paid for civil and family workControlled work:payment forGetting paid for civil and family workControlled work:payment for
13.5Controlled work cases are billed individually, but they are paid by way of a monthly payment from the LAA. Each month, the organisation submits claims and receives a monthly payment (known as a standard monthly payment (SMP)), with the aim that bills and payments balance each other out over the course of the financial year, or a variable monthly payment (VMP) based on what it has billed that month. See chapter 20 of this book for more information on this process (known as reconciliation) and on the management of civil contracts generally. Organisations can opt for the payment system which suits them best.
13.6Standard fees are paid for controlled work. These are shown net of VAT and disbursements which may be claimed in addition. You need to submit a claim for the standard fee within six months of the conclusion of a matter.
1Standard Contract 2013 Specification para 4.32. Standard fees are claimed by submitting an online claim within 20 days of the end of each month.
13.7Escape fee cases (known under the 2010 Standard Contract and its predecessors as ‘exceptional cases’, defined as those where costs exceed three times the fixed fee) may be claimed in full.
13.8In escape cases, you need to submit an EC1 claim form with your file in order to be credited with the balance above the fixed fee. You must submit claims for escape fee cases within three months of reporting the end of the case and claiming the standard fee.
2Standard Contract 2013 Specification para 4.17.13.9If costs are reduced on assessment, you can appeal (see costs appeals, paras 13.32 onwards below).
13.10Although the basic systems for claiming immigration/asylum and mental health controlled work fees are the same as other civil and family work, they have more complex fee schemes. Family cases also have their own schemes. There is more information about these below.