Ministry of Justice Publishes Public Consultation on Increasing Selected Court Fees
24th March 2021
The Ministry of Justice is seeking views on a proposal to increase selected court fees and Help with Fees income thresholds by inflation.
The MOJ say the aim of this proposal is to:
- ensure that there is an efficient and effective courts system.
- ensure access to justice, making sure those who need to access the courts can do so.
- ensure that our courts and tribunals have the necessary resources and funding to deliver their much-needed services.
- ensure that fees better meet the running costs of HMCTS.
This proposal aims to increase some court fees in line with historical inflation dating from August 2016 to April 2021, or the year the fee was last amended (capped at August 2016).
The MOJ say this is to ensure that those who can afford to pay for the service continue to do so at a rate that is more comparable with the increased costs of providing these services. These proposed increases reflect historic inflation and therefore do not amount to an increase in real terms according to the MOJ.
As part of these proposals, the fee for sealing a writ of control, possession, or delivery in the High Court will increase by £5 from £66 to £71.
Other civil court fees potentially affected can be found from page 28 of the consultation document shown below.
The consultation also proposes plans to improve the Help with Fees Scheme for those who are not able to pay Court fees.
Consultation Document:
The responses to this consultation will help inform decisions regarding the proposed changes. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 17 May 2021.
How to respond:
We would urge all clients and other court users to respond to this consultation to ensure as many views as possible are considered.
You can access the consultation here and respond via the online questionnaire:
or please send your response by 17 May 2021 to:
Fees Policy Team, Ministry of Justice 102 Petty France London SW1H 9AJ
or by email: mojfeespolicy@justice.gov.uk
For more information about Court Enforcement Services and High Court Enforcement, contact the author:
Neil Jinks FCICM IRRV
Head of Client Development & Communications
M: 07542304328
E: n.jinks@courtenforcementservices.co.uk
You can instruct us online via our website:
https://www.courtenforcementservices.co.uk/instruct-us/
or contact our BD team for more information or support:
Email: bd@courtenforcementservices.co.uk
