§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether crisis loans from the Social Fund are available towards the cost of attending court; and [2976]
Whether any help is available to people on means-tested benefits who are compelled to spend a night away from home by a need to attend court. [HL2974]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)Social Fund crisis loans are not generally available to meet the costs incurred by people attending court. Exceptionally, a crisis loan may be made to meet emergency travelling expenses where a person is stranded away from home.
In criminal law cases the Crown Prosecution Service are able to help with the cost of travelling expenses and, where necessary, overnight stays.