The Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched a public
consultation on proposed changes to court fees, including annual
increases.
Court fees are an important part of the overall funding model for
the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS).
NICTS aims to achieve full cost recovery in respect of civil and
family court services from the fees charged, however the cost
recovery rate is currently less than 80%. NICTS must work
to ensure that it continues to maintain an adequate stream of
income by keeping pace with increased costs, thereby minimising
the cost of courts to the taxpayer.
It is estimated that the proposed changes would generate
additional recurring income of £2.3 million per annum by 2028-29
and enable NICTS to continue to strive towards a position of full
cost recovery in the provision of civil and family court
business.
Existing access to justice safeguards will remain in place. This
will continue to ensure that court users on a low income or, in
receipt of certain benefits, pay a reduced court fee or have
their fee waived.
View the consultation document at: public consultation
The closing date for this consultation is 11.59pm on 1 August
2025.
Responses or requests for further information can be submitted
via email to Courtfees@courtsni.gov.uk or
sent by post to:
Fee Consultation
NICTS Finance Branch
Laganside House
23-27 Oxford Street
Belfast
BT1 3LA
Responses can also be provided using the online facility at:
NI Direct - Citizen Space.
