- Income threshold for ‘Help with Fees’ scheme increased
- intervention will support even more families through rising
cost of living
- £80 million paid out through ‘Help with Fees’ scheme in last
year alone
The ‘Help with Fees’ scheme protects universal access to justice
by providing those on low income and little to no savings with
financial help towards the cost of these fees.
The scheme offers essential support to vulnerable individuals and
comes at a crucial time following recent, but now reducing,
inflation.
The income and capital eligibility thresholds are being raised
significantly, potentially supporting thousands more people and
ensuring justice is never unaffordable.
The scheme is also being simplified making it easier for people
to use, including allowing their legal representatives to
complete applications.
In the last year alone, the scheme has provided over £80 million
to thousands of people in a wide range of cases such as family
disputes, housing issues and compensation claims for personal
injuries.
Justice Minister said:
No matter what someone’s finances are, it is vital they can get
the justice they deserve which is why we are making it easier for
more people to get help with court fees.
The Help with Fees scheme has already helped tens of thousands of
people pay court fees since we created it in 2013 and our reforms
will make it more generous for those who need it most.
The changes to income thresholds will vary depending on different
families and their circumstances, including the age of any
children. For example:
- For a couple with 2 children under 14, the monthly income
threshold would increase from £1,875 per month to £2,980
- For a single person with no children the threshold would
increase from £1,170 per month to £1,420
Additional financial support will be provided for parents with a
child aged 14 or over, considering the greater cost associated
with looking after older children.
The Government will also change how the scheme is targeted to
make sure the most financially vulnerable are better supported
by:
- Providing more flexibility for individuals with money in
savings and investments by increasing the minimum capital
threshold for the scheme. This will allow applicants to
have more capital before they become ineligible for the scheme.
- Making it easier for the self-employed and those who work
variable shift patterns to qualify by better recognising that
income can fluctuate month- on-month.
- Ensuring those on higher incomes pay more of their court and
tribunal fees, by revising partial fee discounts so the more an
individual earns, the more they pay towards their fees.
- Raising the scheme’s age cap from 61 to the state pension age
of 66.
The reforms follow a public consultation earlier this year which
found the majority of respondents were very supportive of
the Government’s plans to expand and improve the scheme. The
reformed scheme will come into force later this year.
The changes come alongside wider Government measures to ensure
people can access justice no matter their personal finances.
Earlier this year more than 6 million more people were made
eligible for legal aid advice and representation under a major
investment to support those who need it most.
Notes to Editors:
- Some people on a higher income may still be supported by the
scheme. Individuals can check their eligibility and apply for the
scheme online
- To qualify for the scheme an individual needs to be on a low
income or be on benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit
or Pension Credit
- Help with Fees is the single fee remission scheme applicable
in all courts and tribunals in England and Wales. It also applies
to fees charged by tribunals with UK-wide jurisdiction, and the
UK Supreme Court.
