Court Fees

EDM number 506 in 1996-97, proposed by Lawrence Cunliffe on 11/02/1997.

That this House deplores the increases in court fees recently imposed in line with government policy leading to a 100 per cent. increase for 1997-98 in the majority of cases; considers that these unreasonable charges will deter the pursuit or defence of just cases which may lead to financial difficulties for lower income groups, particularly those who are compelled to act without the benefit of legal aid; and further considers that there should now be a full debate on the policy of seeking to recover 100 per cent. of court service costs through court fees.

This motion has been signed by a total of 36 MPs.