*/
The introduction of court and tribunal fees has led to a ‘precipitate drop’ in the number of cases brought, according to a cross-party committee of MPs.
The House of Commons Justice Committee said that following the introduction of fees of up to £1,250 in 2013, cases dropped by almost 70%.
The number of employment tribunal cases brought by individuals fell by about 67% to around 4,500 per quarter from October 2014 to June 2015. While the number of multiple claims declined by 72% from 1,500 per quarter in the year to June 2014 to around 400 per quarter since October 2013.
The report, Courts and Tribunal Fees, said that the regime of employment tribunal fees has had a ‘significant adverse’ impact on access to justice for meritorious claims.
It urged the government to make a ‘substantial reduction’ to the fees, increase the disposable capital and monthly income thresholds, and give ‘special consideration’ to women alleging maternity or pregnancy discrimination. It also recommended scrapping the increased fee for divorce petitions.
The Ministry of Justice said it will consider the report, but that it was right for court users to relieve the taxpayers’ burden.
The introduction of court and tribunal fees has led to a ‘precipitate drop’ in the number of cases brought, according to a cross-party committee of MPs.
The House of Commons Justice Committee said that following the introduction of fees of up to £1,250 in 2013, cases dropped by almost 70%.
The number of employment tribunal cases brought by individuals fell by about 67% to around 4,500 per quarter from October 2014 to June 2015. While the number of multiple claims declined by 72% from 1,500 per quarter in the year to June 2014 to around 400 per quarter since October 2013.
The report, Courts and Tribunal Fees, said that the regime of employment tribunal fees has had a ‘significant adverse’ impact on access to justice for meritorious claims.
It urged the government to make a ‘substantial reduction’ to the fees, increase the disposable capital and monthly income thresholds, and give ‘special consideration’ to women alleging maternity or pregnancy discrimination. It also recommended scrapping the increased fee for divorce petitions.
The Ministry of Justice said it will consider the report, but that it was right for court users to relieve the taxpayers’ burden.
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
In the first of a new series, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth considers the fundamental need for financial protection
Unlocking your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step. By Philip N Bristow
Possibly, but many barristers are glad he did…
Mental health charity Mind BWW has received a £500 donation from drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs as part of its Giving Back campaign
The Institute of Neurotechnology & Law is thrilled to announce its inaugural essay competition
The Chair of the Bar launches a Manifesto for Justice as campaigning gets under way
How best to prepare for your foreign language clients to ensure fairness and avoid strike out? The onus is on counsel to be alive to language issues, says Oliver Foy, who offers a cautionary case and practical tips