UK court fees and Help with Fees
Civil court fees in England and Wales — the issue-fee scale, hearing fees, allocation fees, and how the Help with Fees (HWF) remission scheme works.
Quick answer
Civil court fees in England and Wales are set by the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 (as amended). The main fee is the issue fee — a percentage of the claim value, starting at £35 for claims up to £300 and reaching £10,000 for claims over £200,000. Additional fees apply for allocation, hearings, and trials. Help with Fees (HWF) provides means-tested remission — full, partial, or none — depending on income, savings, and family circumstances. Most fee scales were last updated April 2024.
Overview
Court fees are payable at each stage of civil proceedings in England and Wales. They are mandatory — without paying the fee (or being granted remission), your case cannot proceed. The fees are set by statutory instrument and reviewed regularly. The Help with Fees (HWF) scheme provides means-tested remission. This guide explains the main fees and the remission scheme. Always verify current fees on gov.uk before paying.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves uk court fees and help with fees.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Step-by-Step Process
Calculate the issue fee
Money claims: percentage of claim value (5% for claims £10,001–£200,000, capped at £10,000 above £200,000). Smaller claims have flat fees on a sliding scale (e.g. £35 up to £300, £80 up to £500, £115 up to £1,000).
Check Money Claim Online (MCOL)
For online money claims up to £100,000, MCOL is cheaper than paper by around 10%. Use it where possible.
Pay allocation and hearing fees as they arise
Allocation fee (small claims: nil; fast track: £80; multi-track: £80). Hearing fees: small claims hearing fee varies by claim value; fast/multi-track hearing fees are higher.
Apply for Help with Fees (EX160)
If your savings are below £4,250 (or £16,000 if you receive certain benefits) AND your monthly income is below set limits, you may qualify for full remission. Partial remission if income is slightly above. Apply via EX160 form or online before the fee falls due.
Other special fees
Application fees during proceedings (e.g. £255 for most general applications). Trial fees. Witness summons fees. Each has its own line in the Fees Order.
If you cannot pay
Apply for HWF before the fee deadline. If refused, you can ask for review. Failure to pay leads to the claim or application being struck out. Some judges will allow extra time if HWF is pending.
Costs
Important Warnings
Fees are increased periodically — verify current rates on gov.uk before paying.
HWF eligibility limits are strict and reviewed annually. Even a small over-limit can disqualify you.
If you pay a fee and your HWF application is later approved, you can usually claim a refund.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Issue fee — claim £300 — £35; Issue fee — claim £1,000 — £70 (MCOL) / £80 (paper); Issue fee — claim £10,000 — £455; Issue fee — claim £100,000 — £4,500. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: Fees are increased periodically — verify current rates on gov.uk before paying.; HWF eligibility limits are strict and reviewed annually. Even a small over-limit can disqualify you.; If you pay a fee and your HWF application is later approved, you can usually claim a refund.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: Court and tribunal fees — gov.uk; Help with Fees — gov.uk; Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008; Court Fee Calculator. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.