Parliament resolved yesterday, 4 March 2015, to approve HM Government's proposed introduction of "enhanced" court fees. According to section 1 of the Civil Proceedings and Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) Order 2015, the new regime will take effect from Monday 9 March 2015. The new fees have been put in place pursuant to section 180 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which allows for the prescription of fees over and above actual costs.

All money claims over £10,000 brought in civil or family proceedings will be affected by the changes. The court fee will be 5 per cent of the claim amount, capped at a maximum fee of £10,000. This means that the maximum fee payable will rise from the current level of £1,920 to £10,000 for all claims of £200,000 and above. A 10 per cent discount is offered on all money claims made online. A claim can be made online if it is for less than £100,000.

Non-money claims such as actions for possession, declaratory or injunctive relief will not be affected by the changes, nor will insolvency proceedings.

Amount claimed Prior court fee "Enhanced" court fee

£1,000 - £1,500

£80

£80

£1,501 - £3,000

£115

£115

£3,001 - £5,000

£205

£205

£5,001 - £10,000

£455

£455

£10,001 - £15,000

£455

5% of claim

£15,001 - £50,000

£610

£50,001 - £100,000

£910

£100,001 - £150,000

£1,115

£150,001 - £200,000

£1,315

£200,001 - £250,000

£1,515

£10,000 (cap)

£250,001 - £300,000

£1,720

£300,000 - unlimited

£1,920

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.