Procurement of Criminal Defence Direct Services from 4 May 2026
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has launched the procurement process for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contracts. These contracts will provide 24/7 telephone-based legal advice to individuals detained at police stations across England and Wales for non-indictable offences. Two contracts will be awarded, with services commencing on 4 May 2026, following an implementation period and a 28-day dual operation phase.
Buyer
Legal Aid Agency
Value
£2,360,000
Published
6 Jan 2026
Closes
28 Aug 2025
Procurement details
Source
Find a Tender
Region
Westminster
Procurement method
Open
Category
Services
Contract starts
3 May 2026
Contract ends
31 May 2031
CPV classifications
79100000
Legal services
Lots
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
£1,180,000
Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1 The Legal Aid Agency (LAA), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, will run a procurement exercise to award contracts for two providers to deliver the CDD Service from on or around 1 March 2026. Key Details: • Service: 24/7 non means tested telephone-based legal advice for individuals detaine...
Delivery: UK · United Kingdom
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement - Contract 2 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
£1,180,000
Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2 The Legal Aid Agency (LAA), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, will run a procurement exercise to award contracts for two providers to deliver the CDD Service from on or around 1 March 2026. Key Details: • Service: 24/7 non means tested telephone-based legal advice for individuals detaine...
Delivery: UK · United Kingdom
Documents
Unlock document linkTender notice on Find a Tender
16 Jul 2025
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Tender notice · UK4 · Web page
Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender
23 May 2025
Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender
Planned procurement notice · UK3 · Web page
Contract award notice on Find a Tender
6 Jan 2026
Contract award notice on Find a Tender
Award notice · UK6 · Web page
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.