A
witness is someone who can provide evidence relevant to a case being dealt with
in court.
Before the trial of the case, you may be contacted by legal
representatives of the party who wish to call you as a witness. They may wish
to obtain a written statement from you about what you have seen, heard or
otherwise observed something that may assist the court in deciding a case.
If
you have been asked to attend court to give evidence, you may claim a fixed amount of expenses:
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| Article by Nazmin Chowdhury |
- Travelling expenses to and from the court – the standard or second class fare for bus and train fares.
- Travel by motor vehicle is paid at a rate of 25p per mile.
- Exceptional costs such as taxi fares are allowed in circumstances where this was the only form of transport available or if a witness is disabled or infirm.
- Allowance for refreshments and meals - £2.25 for up to 5 hours, or £4.50 for 5 to 10 hours.
- Claims can be made for loss of earnings for witnesses who are employed or self-employed - £33.50 for up to 4 hours, or £67 for longer (£42.95 or £85.90 if you’re self-employed).
- There are no childcare facilities at court buildings so witnesses can claim expenses for childcare and babysitting at a fixed rate of £67.00 per day.
(Please
note that this may be subject to changes and further information can be found
on http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/assets/uploads/files/Attachment%201.pdf)
What if I attend court as
a witness but do not give evidence?
Witnesses
who attend court to give evidence are eligible to claim their expenses whether or not they actually
give evidence. The only exception to this would be a witness who attends but
refuses to give evidence will not be entitled to claim expenses.
You should ask a court
official for an expenses form when you go to court.
Witnesses
will normally have received a witness expense claim together with their warning
notice. The claim form should have been accompanied by a “current rates”
leaflet, giving information on the maximum amounts claimable.
Tel: 01992 422 128
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
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