The Department of Justice has published its response to a public consultation regarding proposed changes to court fees, confirming that price increases are set to begin on 1 April 2026.

The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) will implement a general inflationary uplift across three years, structured as a 5% increase in 2026, followed by 2% increases in both 2027 and 2028. The move is part of a strategy to reach "full cost recovery" for civil and family court business, in line with public money management requirements.

Key Changes to Fee Structures

In addition to the general percentage increases, the Department has outlined specific structural changes: • Enforcement of Judgments Office: A restructuring of fees payable to enforce money judgments.

• Small Claims Court: The introduction of brand-new fees within the small claims process.

• Revenue Goals: The changes are expected to generate £5.5 million in additional revenue over the next three years, rising to £2.4 million annually by 2029.

Protecting Access to Justice

The Department has confirmed that existing safeguards will remain in place to ensure the legal system remains accessible. Court users on low incomes or those in receipt of certain benefits will continue to be eligible for reduced fees or full fee waivers.

The Consultation Response Report, which provides a summary of the feedback from legal stakeholders and the public, is now available through the Department of Justice website.