£42.20: four more years

I’m 53. I was 29 when my Society last negotiated a rise in a legal aid rate that dealt with summary cases, appeals, breaches of probation (some younger readers may ask what is probation?).

I wrote in 2012 proposing that a party be organised for the pending 21st birthday of the £42.20 hourly rate. I said: “It was wonderful to see the arrival of 42.20. It meant that we were able to conduct summary cases, prepare for trivial appeals, oh and murder appeals, at a reasonable rate... Perhaps if [a celebration] is not possible the Society could fix next year’s practising certificate and Guarantee Fund subs at the 1992 rate, as a gesture of goodwill that will be appreciated by all solicitors carrying out criminal legal aid work.” (www.journalonline.co.uk/Referendum/1011784.aspx; see also Journal, November 2012, 6).

Absolutely nothing has changed since then other than my outlays have increased and my income has decreased.

Why does my Society not stand up for me? Why doesn’t my Society do what other unions do and call for strike action? What other trade (never mind professional) organisation would allow its members to be required to work at a rate that was last increased 25 years ago? Is there any chance you might say enough is enough?
Dear Law Society, could you have a word with a junior doctor in England or maybe a train union rep or maybe a tube driver for me? You never know but you might learn something.

Is there any chance that my Society could get an increase before I die?