header-logo header-logo

01 January 2010
Issue: 7397 / Categories: Case law , Judicial line , In Court
printer mail-detail

Witness expenses

Is there any limit on the expenses which can be awarded against an unsuccessful party?

Is there any limit on the expenses which can be awarded against an unsuccessful party for the travelling and accommodation expenses etc incurred by the successful party or its witnesses in attending a hearing? I have the cost of foreign travel particularly in mind.

No, subject to reasonableness and proportionality. Dealing with a case justly which parties are enjoined to do by CPR 1.1 involves, so far as practicable, saving expense and, in relation to proportionality, taking into account the amount of money involved in the claim, the importance of the case, the complexity of the issues and the financial position of each party.

These principles and the requirement for the parties to cooperate apply to costs as to every other aspect of a case and mean that consideration should be given to telephone or video-link evidence where a witness’s attendance at court would be expensive.

The likely expenses should also be made clear to the other side as early

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment

NEWS
SRM Recruitment has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Law Society RFC Festival of Sport 2026, which will take place on 20 September at Richmond Athletic Association. The specialist legal search firm joins the event as organisers prepare to welcome more than 110 teams across five sports, including rugby sevens, netball and five-a-side football
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
back-to-top-scroll