In brief: LAB ploughs ahead with Green Form pilot

The Legal Aid Board is to "go ahead as planned" with the launch of its green form block contract pilot on 1 August even if the Law Society boycott continues, according to policy adviser Alison McGarrity. McGarrity said it was "unlikely" the LAB would "move further" on its current proposals on payment for the administrative costs, one of the remaining concerns of participating firms. In a last minute attempt to persuade firms to take part, the LAB last week conceded on the issue of disbursements, offering firms which exceed their disbursement allocation under the pilot the opportunity to negotiate an increase. The Law Society will decide whether to advise its members to participate in the controversy-dogged pilot at the next council meeting on 17 July.