Coalition brings back child care court fees hike
The government has reversed the abolition of the increase to court fees for child care cases, which means local authorities now face court fees of £4,825 rather than £150 in care and supervision hearings.
Jonathan Djanogly, Ministry of Justice minister, made the surprise U-turn last week.
The previous government faced stiff opposition when it decided to raise the fees by 3,000% in 2008. Former Justice Secretary Jack Straw abolished the fees plan following a concerted campaign by the Law Society, Bar Council and children’s charities who feared children might be left in dangerous family situations, and a legal challenge that was later rejected by the courts.
In a written statement this week, however, Djanogly says: “Protecting vulnerable children is paramount and I do not believe that continuing to charge these court fees will place vulnerable children at risk.
“Local authorities have a statutory duty to investigate instances when they suspect a child is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm and it would be unlawful for local authorities to consider financial considerations when deciding whether to do so.”
Law
