For the second time in as many months, Collins Solicitors is applying for a Judicial Review of a costs appeal decision made by Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the Infected Blood Public Inquiry.

This Judicial Review application challenges the decision-making process adopted by the Inquiry.

The process for challenging costs, as set out by Inquiry Rules, allows for disputed assessments either to be decided by a Costs Judge or the Inquiry Chair.

On this occasion, the Chair has relied solely on the opinion of a costs lawyer retained by the Inquiry who in fact made the original decision. When challenged, Sir Brian Langstaff indicated that the Inquiry costs lawyer is wholly correct and that the assessment needs no further examination or explanation.

Des Collins, Senior Partner, Collins Solicitors comments: “It is very unfortunate that we are having – again – to appeal a costs decision relating to the Infected Blood Public Inquiry. The Inquiry has been going on long enough and should have resolved these issues by now.

Sir Brian Langstaff has repeatedly stated that the costs assessment process for legal firms in relation to the Inquiry should be “fair, just and reasonable” to all parties. The costs appeals process is quite clear and our clients are quite within their rights to refer matters to the Court if they feel the process is not being adhered to.

Collins Solicitors represents 1,400 people in relation to the Inquiry overall, of whom 1,100 are core participants. Per client, the level at which we are reimbursed is very low, and the system – at least in theory – allows a paralegal to spend around six minutes, per core participant client, per month. This includes enquiries, telephone calls, emails, letters, maintaining spreadsheets, preparing bills, corresponding with the Inquiry and general Inquiry related admin. We act for over 100 clients on a pro bono basis (free of charge) as the Inquiry has refused them core participant status and therefore will not pay any of their costs.

While on no basis would that be sufficient for an Inquiry of this complexity, the very least we are asking for is that the Rules are followed as they must be in situations like this when reviewing disputed assessments.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Des Collins, Senior Partner, Collins Solicitors, T) 01923 223 324, M) 07831 522 540 dcollins@collinslaw.co.uk
Danielle Holliday, Partner, Collins Solicitors, T) 01923 223 324, M) 07540 531 753 dholliday@collinslaw.co.uk
Will Hulbert, PR, T) 01603 431 936, M) 07774 108 699 will@hulbertandco.com