The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has initiated a procurement process for contracts to deliver legal aid work in the inquests category of law. This move is intended to support bereaved families through the inquest process and is part of the 2024 Standard Civil Contract.
The LAA states that this represents one of the largest expansions of legal aid provision in over a decade. Tenders are being invited before the Public Office (Accountability) Bill receives Royal Assent, to ensure providers are ready once the legislation commences.
The application period for these contracts will remain open until approximately 31 March 2027. Tenders submitted by 5:00 PM on 4 September 2026 will be assessed for contracts starting at the service launch, subject to verification.