Readers of this site may be aware that the government previously looked to introduce fees for applications made to the first tier tribunal for Enfranchisement matters.
There was a lot of debate about this and I and other ALEP colleagues were involved in making representations – particularly because the initial fees proposed were £2,000 per case!
Fortunately, because of the intervention the likely fees were reduced – to a much more manageable (and less deterring) £100 on application, and £200 when a hearing date is set.
This may not be the end of the story however, as it is likely that the subject will be revisited in the future at which point, government may be tempted to set fees which escalate depending on the value of the case.
We learnt yesterday from the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) that fees will be introduced with effect from 18th July 2016 (probably). If you are involved in a case and are going to need to apply it may be worth doing so before this date to avoid the additional application fee.
Links to the relevant SI for those that are interested appear below: