Government to make justice inaccessible for most asylum seekers through 500% fees increase

The government is to continue with its plans to increase court fees for immigration and asylum cases by up to 500%, despite near-unanimous opposition from lawyers, law centres, unions and community groups.

The Ministry of Justice’s position is that fees charged to access public services should recover the full cost of those services. As the Guardian reports, the reality of this policy for asylum seekers fleeing war with only the possessions on their backs is that fees will rise from £80 to £490 for “a decision on the papers”, while the cost of an oral hearing will increase from £140 to £800. Fees for appeals to the upper tribunal will also be introduced for the first time, with £350 being charged for an application and £510 for an appeal hearing.

The government consulted on the policy, but has decided to go ahead despite the fact that all but five of the 147 responses it received opposed the proposal. The one concession granted by the government is that applicants who have already been classed as ‘destitute’ by the Home Office will be exempted from the fees.

The Law Centres Network has called the move to increase fees “disgraceful”, while The Public and Commercial Services Union said: “It is utterly reprehensible that this government is pressing ahead with a 500% increase in tribunal fees, despite overwhelming opposition from law firms, judges, professional bodies, charities and unions.”