Part VII Application under Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968

If claim is settled and attendance of applicant’s solicitor not required at court for purpose of obtaining a decree, 85% only of costs in columns (2) and (3) are payable, unless the parties otherwise agree or the Judge orders.

Where the respondent has before the hearing of an application in court made an unconditional offer in writing to pay a specified amount for compensation and the compensation awarded by the Judge does not exceed such amount, only 50% of the costs in columns (2) and (3) are payable. Such written offer must be served on the applicant in accordance with section 24 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 not less than fourteen days before the commencement of the actual hearing by the Judge. The amount specified in the offer shall not be communicated to the Judge until after he has determined the amount awarded.

Where the case is of exceptional complexity or difficulty, and in any event, taking into account the role of counsel and the nature and content of the proceedings, the Judge may certify an amount exceeding scale figure.

Where the Judge considers that it was proper for the applicant to instruct senior as well as junior counsel, he may certify counsel’s fees and solicitor’s costs in such sum as he considers appropriate.

Where the amount awarded exceeds £10,000, the Judge shall, unless the parties otherwise agree, certify the amount for solicitor’s costs and the amount allowed for counsel’s fees.