§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Lord Chancellor will ensure that Legal Services Commission funding for not-for-profit agencies continues to guarantee RPI increases in salary scales; and if he will make a statement. [104505]
§ Paddy TippingTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what inflation increase has been awarded to not-for-profit agencies providing general civil contracts from 1 April 2003; and if she will make a statement. [104738]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonFrom April 2003, not for profit organisations offering legal services as part of the community legal service will be issued with a replacement contract by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The new 'Not for Profit Contract', in common with the contract for solicitors, contains no guarantee of annual remuneration increases. However, my Department and the LSC are monitoring actively the provider base in all areas of law and will consider as366W matters develop whether measures to enhance remuneration rates are possible within available resources.
My right hon. and Learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and I recognise that people working in not for profit organisations are dedicated, efficient and caring individuals, providing important services to the socially excluded and disadvantaged, for rates of remuneration that will inevitably fall short of what they can earn in the private sector. However, our scope for improving the position with regard to remuneration is limited by resource constraints.