New Hourly Rates

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There are a couple of interesting pieces of news on costs to start the New Year off with:-

1. The Court of Appeal have ruled that success fees are payable on the fees of external Costs Draftsmen. 
   
   This applies to the costs of preparing a Bill and also costs done by external Costs Draftsmen in assessment proceedings. 
   
   In Crane v Canons Leisure Centre [2007] EWCA Civ 1352, the Court also ruled that there was no reason of principle to have lower success fees for costs proceedings than the success fee in the substantive proceedings. 
2. The advisory committee on civil costs is expected to issue a new set of rates by mid 2008 and is currently conducting research into the guideline hourly rates. 
   
   In the meantime, senior Costs Judge Hurst has announced an interim 4% rise. 
   
   Please contact us if you'd like details of the rates applicable for your local Court. 

It would be a good idea to write to clients advising them of the increase in rates so that you don't fall foul of the indemnity principle.

If you've any queries about the above, or any other costs issues please don't hesitate to contact me.

Happy New Year, Andrew
A Neat Legal Services - Law Costs Draftsmen