CCMS Improvements to SCA Reporting and Billing
Current Process up to February 2025
Currently on SCA cases where multiple children or parties are represented; a lead case is identified, and the associated cases of linked parties are all granted zero cost allocations.
All costs are reported on the lead case however Outcomes and Nil Bills are required on the associated cases.
Phase 1 Rollout CCMS Changes
CCMS will be updated on the evening of 24th February 2025 with Phase 1 changes.
These changes will automatically lodge Outcomes on associated cases when the lead Outcome is reported.
Discharge reason and Date of Last Work given for the Lead Outcome will be replicated on the associated cases.
Our Digital team will also run a script to report Outcomes on any associated cases where the lead has been reported but the associated cases did not have a reported Outcome.
What is within Phase 1?
This will impact any SCA case where a lead certificate is identified and associated linked cases have a zero cost limit.
Outcomes will be lodged automatically on those associated cases with a zero cost allocation upon submission of the Lead case Outcome.
Nil Bills will still be required in Phase 1 for Lead and Associated Cases.
The option for Final Bill will appear on associated cases if the Lead certificate Outcome has been reported.
What is Excluded under Phase 1?
Phase 1 changes will be limited to SCA cases with associated linked cases.
The changes will also still require Nil bills to be reported on all cases.
What will the Changes look like on CCMS?
On the Associated Cases with a zero cost limit, the option to ‘Record Outcome’ will not appear.
Phase 2 Changes (Proposed Mid 2025)
The second phase of the CCMS changes will include closing off associated cases with Nil Bills where the Lead Final bill is lodged.
Guidance Links to CCMS Processes
Recording Outcomes and Discharge – Legal Aid Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is Phase 1 and Phase 2 being done separately and not part of one release? | The LAA will use Phase 1 Outcomes initially to test the system changes and assess feedback. The Phase 2 changes should be a smoother process by implementing Phase 1 first. |
| What if we have a provider transfer case and a previous zero cost allocation case becomes the new lead? | At the point the associated case becomes the new lead and is given the cost limit the option to lodge Outcomes will appear. We must ensure that the previous lead does not have Outcomes lodged before the transfer to ensure the new lead is available. |
| Can we claim time for lodging Case Outcomes and Nil Bills until the full release is complete? | Time can be claimed for lodging Outcomes on the Lead case as normal. Nil Bills on associated cases are billable costs if hourly rates but if the matter is under a fixed fee this will form part of that fee. |
| Just to clarify if we have previously not reported Outcomes on associated cases but have reported the Lead case; these will now be automatically closed? | Yes, that is correct for Outcomes only. The requirement to submit Nil Bills on the associated cases will be required under Phase 1 but not Outcomes if the Lead has been reported. |
| Are there contingencies available should a Lead Outcome be reported incorrectly and how would we request to amend that? | A billing enquiry can be lodged on the case. Please request the Case Outcome is cleared and then the new details can be entered. |