Proposals to amend Immigration and Asylum Chamber fees

This consultation sets out the government’s proposals for charging fees in the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) at full cost recovery levels. To achieve this we are proposing increasing the fees currently charged in the First-tier Tribunal and the introduction of fees for permission to appeal applications and for appeals heard in the Upper Tribunal. Alongside the fee increases the consultation also seeks views on a possible extension to the current system of fee exemptions.

Courts and tribunals fulfil a vital role in an effective and functioning democracy.They provide access to justice for those who need it, upholding the principle of the rule of law that underpins our society, and indeed our economy. That is why we must make sure that our courts and tribunals are properly funded. This Government announced in the Autumn Statement that it would be making an historic investment of £700 million to reform Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service over the next 5 years. This crucial investment will allow us to modernise and improve the service we provide to the public.

At the same time, we are committed to reducing public spending and continue the work to mend the economy. It is fair that a greater proportion of the costs of our courts and tribunals is borne by those who directly benefit from using them.