Court and tribunal fees across England and Wales are set to increase from 13 July 2026, following plans announced by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The changes, which are subject to parliamentary approval, will aim to ensure that the justice system remains financially sustainable while maintaining access to justice.
A key feature of the reform is the adjustment of fees to reflect inflation. Around 170 fees will rise by 2.6%, in line with the 2024/25 inflation rate. In addition, a smaller group of 27 fees will increase by an average of 34%, reflecting accumulated inflation from previous years where costs were not fully updated. While most fees will go up, the government has confirmed that four fees will be reduced where underlying costs have fallen, indicating an attempt to keep charges proportionate.
The increases will affect a wide range of proceedings, including civil, family, tribunal, and probate matters.
For claimants, this means:
- Paying more to issue claims (especially in money claims and small claims)
- Higher costs for interim applications (e.g. summary judgment, injunctions)
- Increased hearing fees in longer or complex matters
Some of the usual fees paid in County Court housing cases will increase as follows:
|
Recovery of Land |
£404 to £415 |
|
General Application of notice |
£313 to £21 |
|
General Application by consent / without notice |
£123 to £126 |
Higher court fees often lead to behavioural changes in civil litigation. As costs rise claimants may become more cautious about issuing claims. Conversely, defendants may be more willing to settle early to avoid escalating costs.
This trend aligns with wider policy goals to reduce court backlogs and encourage early settlement.
The government has emphasised that these increases are necessary to improve cost recovery within HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Currently, fee income does not fully cover the costs of running the courts, with a significant gap funded by taxpayers. By raising fees, the MoJ hopes to create a more sustainable funding model while continuing to subsidise services for vulnerable users.
At the same time, support remains available for those unable to afford the higher fees. The “Help with Fees” scheme will continue to provide court fee reductions or exemptions for individuals on low incomes, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to legal remedies.
In summary, the July 2026 fee increases represent a balancing act between financial sustainability and fairness. While most court users will face modest rises, the government has sought to offset the impact through targeted reductions, exemptions, and support schemes. The changes mark another step in the ongoing effort to modernise and fund the UK justice system in a period of rising costs.
