Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has confirmed to IDS that it is making a number of changes to its fee remissions form and guidance. These changes are based on feedback from customers and stakeholders and are intended to simplify the application process for users. They will apply to fee remission applications from 30 June.
The changes to the fee remissions form and guidance highlighted by HMCTS are that:
• HMCTS will accept photocopies of original copies of documents
• the exact amount of an applicant’s disposable capital will no longer need to be disclosed; only the relevant threshold that the amount falls into
• printed copies of bank statements from online banking systems will be accepted
• DWP letters dated within the last three months will be accepted. Previously, a letter from the DWP confirming receipt of benefits for benefits-related remissions (fee remission 1) had to be dated within the last month
• a clearer, simplified form will be supplied at the front of the guidance, with references to guidance notes, and
• HMCTS will endeavour to contact an applicant if a piece of information is missing from an application rather than simply rejecting the claim.
The new form should be used from 30 June. From 14 July applications should no longer be submitted using the old EX160 form.
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