New bill must not undermine access to justice
The government must guard against the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill undermining access to justice.
13 September 2021
Court reform
- My LS
Increasing court fees in line with inflation – Law Society response
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We've responded to a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) consultation on whether to increase selected court fees by inflation.
The proposals
The MoJ is consulting on whether to increase selected court fees and income thresholds for help with fees in line with inflation.
The government argues this increase will ensure access to justice and that:
- those who need to access the courts can do so
- the courts system is efficient and effective
- our courts and tribunals have the necessary resources and funding to deliver their much-needed services
- court fees better meet the running costs of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Read the consultation on the GOV.UK website
Our view
We do not agree that a blanket increase across court jurisdictions is the appropriate solution.
Highlighting the significant change to family justice as an example, we argue that any proposed fee increase should reflect the work needed at each stage of proceedings by HMCTS. Fee increases should also be based on the impact on individuals' ability to bring claims.
Next steps
The consultation ran from 22 March to 17 May 2021.
The MoJ is now analysing responses to the consultation.