Court and tribunal fees increased from 13 July 2026. This article summarises the key changes affecting detailed assessment proceedings, Legal Aid costs, Court of Protection costs and other civil court fees.

The Court of Appeal decision in Ward v Rai [2026] EWCA Civ 816 is an important costs judgment for both paying and receiving parties involved in detailed assessment proceedings. The case concerned a disputed work on documents claim, a point of dispute which referred to an annotated schedule that had not been served with the Points of Dispute, and a late attempt by the paying party to rely on that schedule shortly before the detailed assessment hearing. For costs practitioners,

A Bill of Costs has been served and the deadline for Points of Dispute is approaching. This guide explains the risks of missing deadlines and the practical options available to paying parties.

An LAA query can delay payment and create uncertainty regarding recovery. This guide examines common reasons queries arise and the practical steps firms should consider.

A rejected escape fee claim can result in delayed payment and reduced recovery. This guide examines common reasons for rejection and the practical options available to Legal Aid firms.

Delayed Legal Aid payments can place significant pressure on firms and fee earners. This guide examines common causes of delay and practical steps to improve recovery and cashflow.

Many Bills of Costs are reduced during detailed assessment proceedings. This guide examines common grounds for reduction and how paying parties seek to reduce costs exposure.

Many Legal Aid claims are reduced during assessment due to avoidable billing, evidential and procedural issues. This guide examines common causes and practical steps firms can take to improve recovery.

Receiving a Bill of Costs can create significant costs exposure. This guide explains the practical steps paying parties should consider and common opportunities to reduce liability.

A rejected CCMS claim can create significant delays and recovery issues. This guide examines common reasons for rejection and the practical options available to Legal Aid firms.

Failure to obtain prior authority can create significant recovery problems in Legal Aid matters. This guide examines when fees may still be recoverable and the practical issues firms should consider.

Detailed assessment proceedings involve multiple court fees, including Part 8 issue fees, assessment fees and application fees. This guide explains the current 2026 court fees and common recovery issues.

Failing to obtain prior authority from the Legal Aid Agency can leave solicitors unable to recover substantial final hearing and case preparation costs. This guide explains the risks and common pitfalls.

Electronic Bills of Costs have become standard in detailed assessment proceedings, but even small errors can lead to disputes, delays and reductions. This guide explains common problems and how they are challenged.

Guideline Hourly Rates are frequently challenged during detailed assessment proceedings. This guide explains how courts assess solicitor charging rates, when reductions are made, and how proportionality arguments affect recoverable costs.

A practical guide to Replies to Points of Dispute in detailed assessment proceedings, including strategy, proportionality arguments, and common costs disputes.

The Legal Aid Agency has largely cleared its backlog, with faster processing times now in place. This update explains what it means for billing, cashflow and Legal Aid costs recovery.

Recent Legal Aid updates affect CCMS billing, contingency work and disbursement claims. This guide explains what has changed, the risks for solicitors, and how to protect costs recovery.

The SCCO has issued new guidance introducing the Document Upload Centre (DUC) for uploading supporting papers in Court of Protection costs bills. The guidance takes effect from 20 April 2026.

Points of Dispute are the formal response served by a paying party to challenge a bill of costs in detailed assessment proceedings. This guide explains CPR Part 47 requirements, time limits and common grounds of dispute.