Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the County Court Fees Order 1982 so as to–

(1)

exempt persons on income support from liability to pay prescribed fees (article 2);

(2)

omit the provision requiring Value Added Tax to be paid in addition to the fee (article 3);

(3)

introduce a setting down fee (articles 4 and 7);

(4)

increase the fees payable on commencement, introduce a separate fee for commencement in the summons production centre, specify the fee payable on commencement where the sum claimed or the value of the goods is not limited to any particular amount and omit the provisions applicable where certain non-money claims are joined in the same proceedings (articles 5 and 6(1)(b) and (c));

(5)

omit the fees payable on an application for adoption or for an order freeing a child for adoption or on an application to register a custody order (article 6(1)(a) and (2));

(6)

increase the fees relating to appeals, taxation reviews, certain enforcement proceedings and admiralty actions (articles 8 and 9).

Before the making of this Order, the fees on commencement of proceedings to recover money or goods were as follows–

Where the sum claimed or the value of the goods–

(a)

did not exceed £500, 10p for every £1 (or part thereof) claimed with a minimum fee of £10;

(b)

exceeded £500 but did not exceed £1000, £60;

(c)

exceeded £1000 but did not exceed £5000, £65;

(d)

exceeded £5000, £70.

The fee on commencement of proceedings for any other relief has been increased from £40 to £50 and the maximum payable has been increased from £40 to £80.

In all other cases the extent of the increase is apparent from the Order itself.