CJC concerned over fee remission

The Civil Justice Council (CJC) has expressed concern about court fee remission proposals, which would “significantly reduce” income thresholds for couples.

Last month, the government published a consultation on proposals to introduce a two-stage fee remission system across the courts and tribunals. Under this system, claimants’ disposable capital and income would be assessed to see whether they should receive remission on court and tribunal fees.

In its response to the consultation this week, however, the CJC said the disposable capital test would have “an adverse equality impact on older people” who may rely on capital for retirement income. The thresholds for both gross monthly income and disposable capital were too low, and it was “disproportionate” to expect someone to invest half their disposable capital “simply on the fee to bring a claim”.

However, the CJC which is chaired by the Master of the Rolls, supported the introduction of a single fee remission system as it would lead to a “consistent approach” across all jurisdictions.