Consultation launched on Court Fees in Northern Ireland
Date published:
The Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to court fees, including annual increases.
Court fees are an important part of the overall funding model for the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS). NICTS aims to achieve full cost recovery in respect of civil and family court services from the fees charged, however the cost recovery rate is currently less than 80%. NICTS must work to ensure that it continues to maintain an adequate stream of income by keeping pace with increased costs, thereby minimising the cost of courts to the taxpayer.
It is estimated that the proposed changes would generate additional recurring income of £2.3 million per annum by 2028-29 and enable NICTS to continue to strive towards a position of full cost recovery in the provision of civil and family court business.
Existing access to justice safeguards will remain in place. This will continue to ensure that court users on a low income or, in receipt of certain benefits, pay a reduced court fee or have their fee waived.
View the consultation document at: public consultation
The closing date for this consultation is 11.59pm on 1 August 2025.
Responses or requests for further information can be submitted via email to Courtfees@courtsni.gov.uk or sent by post to:
Fee Consultation
NICTS Finance Branch
Laganside House
23-27 Oxford Street
Belfast
BT1 3LA
Responses can also be provided using the online facility at: NI Direct - Citizen Space.
Notes to editors:
- Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via Email.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.