HC Deb 24 November 1992 vol 214 cc558-9W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage increase is planned for each type of court fee; when such increases are proposed to take effect; and what is the estimate of the additional income arising from the fee increase.

Mr. John M. Taylor

The County Court Fees (Amendment) Order 1992, which comes into force on 30 November 1992, and 1 April 1993 in respect of proceedings under the Road Traffic Act 1991, revises the fees payable for proceedings in the county court. This is the first increase since 1986. There will be no immediate increases in other court fees, but all fee rates are kept under regular review. The percentage increase in individual county court fees is set out in the table. It is estimated that the additional income arising from the fee increase will be approximately £55 million in a full year, bringing the civil courts considerably closer to their target for covering their costs.

Revision of county court fees
County Court Fees (Amendment) Order 1992
Fee Title Date last amended Current New Percentage increase
1(i) Summons April 1986 Min. =£7 Min. =£10 Min. = +43%
10p in £ 10p in £ £300-£500 = -19% to +35%
£300-£500 = £37 £500-£l,000 = £60 £500-£ 1,000 =+40%
Above £500 = £43 £1,000-£5,000 = £65 £1,000-£5,000= +51%
Above £5,000 = £70 Above £5,000=+63%
1(ii) Fixed Date Action/ Originating Application May 1985 £30 £40 + 33%
2 Service December 1983 £5 £10 +100%
4(i) Warrant of Execution/Delivery Min. = December 1983 Min. £5 Min. = £10 Min. = +100%
Max. = April 1986 15p in £ 15p in £ Max. = +32%
Max. = £38 Max. =£50
4(ii) Oral Examination May 1985 £12 £20 + 67%
4(iii) Garnishee Order May 1985 £12 £20 + 67%
4(iv) Warrant of Possession April 1986 £25 £50 +100%
4(v) Charging Order May 1985 £12 £20 +67%
4(vi) Judgment Summons May 1985 £12 £20 +67%
4(vii) Attachment of Earnings Min. = December 1983 Min. =£5 Min. =£10 Min. = +100%
Max. = April 1986 l0p in £ l0p in £ Max. = +75%
Max. =£40 Max. =£70
7 Registry of County Court Judgments December 1982 £1 £3 +200%
9(i)(a) Debtor December 1986 £15 £20 +33%
9(i)(b) Creditor December 1986 £45 £50 +11%
9(ii) Other December 1986 £40 £50 +25%
9(iii)(a) Applications to District Judge December 1986 £10 £15 +50%
9(iii)(b) Applications to Judge December 1986 £15 £20 +33%
9(iv) Public Examination Hearing December 1986 £15 £20 +33%

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