If you are considering using the small claims court process in England and Wales, it is important to be aware of the small claims court fee increases that came into place in April 2025. These changes, implemented by the Ministry of Justice, affect a wide range of court and tribunal fees, including those relevant to small claims.
The majority of fee increases are around 3.2%, reflecting changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While some specific fees saw a higher increase of 13.5% to account for backdated inflation, most of the adjustments aim to align fees with current economic conditions and support the efficient operation of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
What does this mean for you?
If you are planning to issue a claim or are already involved in small claims court proceedings, you will likely encounter these updated fees. Here are some examples of the types of fees that have increased:
Issuing a claim: The initial fee to start your claim will have slightly increased depending on the value of your claim.
Hearing fees: If your case proceeds to a hearing, the fee payable for the hearing itself has also seen an increase.
Application fees: Fees for various applications made during the court process (e.g., general applications on notice or by consent) have also risen.
Enforcement methods: Should you need to enforce a judgment, fees for applications like warrants of control, charging orders, and third-party debt orders have also increased.
Make sure you send the correct fee to the court, or it might result in the court returning the document (if wanting to issue a claim), or even you claim being struck out (if the trial hearing hearing).
Why the increases?
The Ministry of Justice states that these fee adjustments are necessary to help fund essential court services, reduce the overall burden on taxpayers, and support court users through improved efficiency and infrastructure.
What should you do?
For current and prospective users of the small claims court, it is crucial to factor these new fees into your budgeting. You can find detailed information on the updated fees on the GOV.UK website and specifically form EX50 here.
At www.smallclaimscourtgenie.co.uk, we are committed to helping you navigate the small claims court process. Staying informed about changes like these fee increases is a key part of successful claim management.
