County Court Scale Costs Rise by 23% in Northern Ireland

The County Court Rules Committee in Northern Ireland has officially implemented a 23% increase in County Court Scale Costs, effective 26th November 2025, marking the first uplift since 2018. The change is driven by inflationary pressures measured via the GDP Deflator.

The scale costs, the standardised legal fees payable between parties in County Court proceedings, had remained static for seven years. Following a consultation process initiated in July 2024, which included input from legal professionals, insurers, and other stakeholders, the Committee concluded that an uplift was necessary to reflect the economic realities and maintain fairness in legal remuneration. 

The amendment, formalised under the County Court (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2025, revises solicitor and counsel fees across all claim bands. 

For example:

• Claims not exceeding £500: Solicitor costs increase to £312 up from £254;
• Claims between £5,000 and £7,500: Solicitor costs rise to £2,651 up from £2,155.
• Counsel’s fees between £15,000.00 and £20,000.00 raise to £1,066 up from £867.

For full details, please refer to the legislation here

Moreover, the Committee has proposed a three-year review cycle for scale costs going forward, to review if the costs are in line with the rate of inflation. 

Clyde & Co welcomes the opportunity to discuss the implications of these changes with clients.