Judicial expenses

The guidelines for claiming allowances and expenses are similar in terms of eligibility criteria and process to those used by the Civil Service. Judges may claim travel and subsistence expenses they incur in the course of their judicial duties.

Details of Judicial Expenses

Judges can only claim expenses in limited circumstances broadly the same as those applying to civil servants in the Ministry of Justice. They may claim travel and subsistence expenses they incur in the course of their judicial duties.

Travel expenses may only be claimed for travel on judicial business. Overnight expenses may only be claimed when a judge is unable to return home because of judicial business.

Rates of travel and subsistence payments which apply to judges

Travel

  • By rail: 1st class fare
  • By car – rates per mile:
    • First 10,000 miles – 45p
    • Over 10,000 miles – 25p
  • Motorcycle allowance: 24p per mile
  • Pedal cycle allowance: 20p per mile
  • Passenger supplement (not payable for motorcycle travel): 5p per mile for passengers whose fares would otherwise be paid from public funds.
  • Air fares incurred travelling on judicial business are also reimbursable where appropriate.

Subsistence

Night subsistence payments are only payable where a judge is required to be away from their normal home on judicial business. The following rates are payable for each night of absence:

  • Hotels and similar accommodation in London:
    Actual expenditure up to a ceiling of £150 for bed and breakfast costs plus 24 hour allowance of £21 and personal incidental expenditure allowance of £5.
  • Hotels and similar accommodation elsewhere:
    Actual expenditure up to a ceiling of £120 for bed and breakfast costs plus 24 hour allowance of £21 and personal incidental expenditure allowance of £5.
  • Staying with friends/relatives:
    £32.45 (N.B. This allowance is subject to tax) or a non-taxable payment of up to £21 a night for receipted food costs plus the £5 allowance for personal incidental expenditure (PIE).
  • Own secondary property in London:
    Reimbursement of expenses necessarily incurred up to a limit of £32.45.
  • Own secondary property elsewhere:
    Reimbursement of expenses necessarily incurred up to a limit of £31.
  • Rented accommodation in London:
    Actual expenditure up to a ceiling of £60 for rental costs plus 24 hour allowance of £21 and personal incidental expenditure allowance of £5.
  • Rented accommodation elsewhere:
    Actual expenditure up to a ceiling of £50 for rental costs plus 24 hour allowance of £21 and a personal incidental expenditure allowance of £5.