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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.
Framework contract: £2,360,000 total value shared among 2 suppliers. Estimated equal shares shown below.
| Supplier | Identifier | Est. Share | Lots Won | Cross-References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Johnson Partnership | Procurement ID: PJRM-9737-VLDL | ~£1,180,000 | 1 lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2 | - |
| Watson Woodhouse Ltd | 10868114 | ~£1,180,000 | 1 lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2 | - |
Taken from this notice, not from Companies House. Check the original notice — details change and are not updated here.
This procurement was divided into 2 lots, each awarded separately. 6 bids were received in total.
| Lot | Value | Bids Received | Awarded To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1 Feb 2026 – May 2031 | £1,180,000 | 3 | - | complete |
| Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement - Contract 2 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2 Feb 2026 – May 2031 | £1,180,000 | 3 | The Johnson Partnership Watson Woodhouse Ltd | pending |
Weightings from the notice, applied to every lot.
Government spending data: These suppliers have received £14,947,533 in 285 payments (over £25k) from Legal Aid Agency (2023-01-11 to 2026-02-25).