The Senior Courts Costs Office Guide 2025
The Senior Courts Costs Office Guide 2025 has been published today (Tuesday 21 October 2025).
The primary task of the Senior Courts Costs Office (SCCO) is to carry out detailed assessments of the costs in the civil courts of England and Wales, from the County Court to the Court of Appeal. It also handles certain criminal costs appeals and some other matters.
This guide therefore provides useful information for court users, including details about assessment proceedings and applications, listing the central and regional judges and how to contact the SCCO.
Lord Justice Colin Birss, Deputy Head of Civil Justice, said in his foreword: “This Guide explains in full detail what court users need to know to bring and respond to proceedings in the SCCO, dealing with the detail in plain and straightforward language, and explaining the principles involved.
“This 2025 version brings the Guide right up to date and identifies the current complement of Costs Judges, Regional Costs Judges and Costs Officers. It is written by the experts themselves.
“Anyone involved in a detailed costs assessment should read this Guide first. I recommend it.”
The SCCO Guide 2025 can be read below.