-
The Fee Remission Scheme and Mesothelioma sufferers
The MoJ announced last week that the government would amend the Courts and Tribunals Fee Remissions Order 2013 to protect mesothelioma sufferers. As a result, the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK has withdrawn its Judicial Review challenge which had been based on the argument…
-
Translator costs soar
The costs of hiring court interpreters and translators in cases involving foreigners last year totalled £17.2m, according to MoJ figures. The costs rose from £12m in 2012-13 to £16m a year later and £17.2m in 2014-15, a 42% rise over the two years.
-
Legal Aid Agency chief’s pay rise draws criticism
The Guardian reports that Matthew Coats, the chief executive of the Legal Aid Agency, received a pay rise of more than 10% this year. Based on figures from the LAA’s annual report, the newspaper states that Mr Coats’ combined salary, bonus and pension benefits rose…
-
New Practice Directions for Court of Protection now in force
New Practice Directions, and amendments to the Practice Directions, supplementing the Court of Protection Rules 2007 have come into force this week (6 April). They have been made by the President of the Court of Protection, Sir James Munby, under the powers delegated to him…
-
Harmans Costs Brief – March 2015
Read our latest Costs Brief covering undoubtedly the main story of the month – the civil courts fee increase. As well as articles about payments on account, Online Dispute Resolution, Insurance and Child Abuse and an update on our latest free breakfast seminar coming up next month. http://eepurl.com/bgwoej
-
What price Justice? Court fee changes under fire
The government is to press ahead with higher charges for civil court proceedings to recover money owed, which solicitors’ leaders warn could price the public out of the courts. The Ministry of Justice, which published its response to a consultation on proposed reforms to court…
-
Will a solution to the problem of Litigants in Person be found in time for Christmas?
The problem of litigants in person is ‘not just a family issue’ but is one that has increased across a wide range of civil cases. Justice Minister Simon Hughes said at the recent Liberal Democrats Party Conference in Glasgow that he has “persuaded” the MoJ…
-
Harmans Costs Brief – October 2014
Read our latest Costs Brief covering all the latest industry developments including the impending introduction of J-Codes, the latest CPR updates as well as relief from sanctions allowed on Appeal. It also covers Legal Aid work in family cases and features an article by one of our…
-
Legal aid work in family cases drops 27% compared to the same quarter last year
According to figures published by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), legal aid work in family cases has dropped 27% compared to the same quarter last year. The category of family legal aid covers work on both private and public law and includes work associated…
-
Fixed report fees announced for whiplash claims
The proposed reforms have now been finalised and agreed by the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and the Statutory Instrument, The Civil Procedure (Amendments No. 6) Rules 2014, has been laid before Parliament and the rules changes will come into force on 1 October 2014. A…
