Court and tribunal fee increases from 13 July 2026: what they mean for your claim

As part of the changes, 170 fees will increase by 2.6% in line with inflation for 2024/25, while 27 fees will rise by an average of 34% in line with accumulated inflation. Four fees will be reduced to reflect reductions in their underlying costs. 

Which HMCTS court fees are increasing from 13 July 2026? 

The increases affect a wide range of court fees. Some of the litigation-related fee increases most likely to be encountered in civil disputes include: 

• Recovery of land in the County Court: increasing from £404 to £415 

• Claims for any other remedy in the County Court: increasing from £377 to £387 

• General applications made on notice: increasing from £313 to £321 

• General applications made by consent or without notice: increasing from £123 to £126 

• Issue of a warrant of possession or warrant of delivery: increasing from £148 to £152 

• Filing an appellant's or respondent's notice in County Court claims (other than small claims): increasing from £171 to £175 

While the individual increases may appear modest, court fees are only one element of the overall cost of litigation and should be factored into litigation budgets and case strategies. 

How much does it cost to make a county court claim from July 2026? 

The court fee is only the starting point. For businesses pursuing debt recovery, contractual disputes or property-related litigation, the revised fees should be considered alongside legal costs, enforcement steps and the likely conduct of the other party when assessing the overall cost of proceedings. 

Individuals considering issuing a claim, making an application within ongoing proceedings or taking enforcement action should check the applicable fee before commencing the relevant step. The new fees will apply to applications and proceedings issued on or after 13 July 2026 — they are not retrospective — so where a step is already planned and ready, there may be a modest saving in issuing before that date.  

Why are court fees increasing? 

The Government has stated that the increases are intended to strengthen cost recovery within HM Courts and Tribunals Service, improve consistency in the way court and tribunal fees are charged, and maintain fair access to justice. The majority of the increases are linked to inflation.

FAQ  

About the Author 

Georgia Beales is a Litigation Paralegal at Grant Saw Solicitors, where she supports the partners and solicitors in the firm's litigation department on a broad range of matters, including debt recovery, court attendance and the service of proceedings. She has been with the firm since 2012. 

Georgia began her legal career with an apprenticeship at one of the UK's leading solicitors' practices specialising in legal costs, where she gained intermediate and advanced business and administration qualifications before accepting a permanent position. Georgia works within Grant Saw's Litigation team, led by Sarah-Kate Jackson, Head of Litigation. Grant Saw Solicitors LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Litigation and dispute resolution advice 

Litigation involves more than simply assessing the merits of a claim. Understanding likely court fees, legal costs and the most appropriate dispute resolution strategy at an early stage can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions before commencing proceedings. 

Grant Saw's Litigation team advises businesses and individuals across Greenwich and South East London on debt recovery, contractual and property disputes, and the enforcement of judgments. If you are considering bringing or defending a claim and would like advice on the potential costs involved and the right approach for your situation, Georgia and the Litigation team can help. 

Call 020 8858 6971 or email litigation@grantsaw.co.uk to discuss your circumstances. 

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Disclaimer 

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and guidance change and outcomes depend on facts. If you need advice on your situation, please contact us. Grant Saw Solicitors LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

Last updated: 10 July 2026