Court fee exemptions reviewed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More people claiming certain state benefits may be granted exemption from the controversial system of increased court fees. The Government signalled the move last night, in the wake of Monday's heated House of Lords debate on the issue.
Geoff Hoon, parliamentary secretary at the Lord Chancellor's Department, told David Lock, Labour MP for Wyre Forest, in a parliamentary answer, that automatic exemption from the fees was being considered for people on jobseekers' allowance, family credit and disability working allowance.
At present, these categories of litigants can apply for fee remissions but some drop their cases because of the delay and uncertainty about whether their applications will be approved.
Vicki Chapman, policy officer for the Legal Action Group which has campaigned against the higher fees, said: "Such a move would end delay and uncertainty and may save the court service money since remission is probably granted in the majority of cases anyway and would save court staff having to process applications."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments