Legal Costs Coverage for Capture Redress Scheme Applicants: Guidance from the Department for Business and Trade

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published guidance detailing the legal costs it will cover for applicants to the Capture Redress Scheme. The document sets out how DBT will assess and pay eligible costs, with a clear emphasis on transparency, reasonableness and proportionality. This post summarises the key points for applicants and stakeholders.

Scope of the guidance
The guidance applies to legal costs incurred in relation to applications to the Capture Redress Scheme. It covers costs associated with obtaining and presenting legal advice, preparing applications, and representation in proceedings connected with the scheme. The aim is to ensure that eligible applicants have access to appropriate legal support without being left out due to cost barriers.

What costs are eligible
DBT’s guidance outlines several categories of costs that may be payable where they are reasonable and necessary for the case. Typical eligible items include:
– Solicitors’ fees for initial advice, case preparation, and legal strategy
– Barristers’ fees for advocacy in hearings or other formal proceedings, where required
– Necessary disbursements linked to the case, such as essential court or tribunal filing fees
– Travel and accommodation costs that are necessary for hearings or meetings with legal representatives
– Fees for expert reports or other specialist input that has been approved in advance as necessary to support the claim

What costs are not eligible
To ensure fairness and financial sustainability, the guidance also sets out costs that are not payable. These commonly include:
– General business costs or overheads not directly linked to the legal work for the scheme
– Costs that are not reasonably incurred or not necessary to advance the case
– Costs incurred before the application is submitted or after the conclusion of the case, unless specifically approved
– Costs for services that are not primarily legal in nature or not essential to the legal action under the scheme

Caps and assessment
All costs payable under the guidance will be subject to scrutiny for reasonableness and proportionality. This means that:
– There may be caps or limits on certain cost types and on total costs per case
– The actual payment will reflect the work required, the complexity of the case, and the stage at which costs are incurred
– The DBT will interpret “necessary” and “proportionate” in line with the scope and objectives of the Capture Redress Scheme

How to claim
Applicants should follow the process described in the guidance to request payment of legal costs. In brief:
– Provide a detailed breakdown of all costs incurred, including a description of the work performed and the date ranges
– Include invoices, timesheets, engagement letters, and any contracts or agreements with the legal representatives
– Submit evidence demonstrating that the costs were necessary and reasonable to advance the case
– Use the specified submission channel and adhere to any format or template requirements set out in the guidance

Evidence and documentation
Careful documentation is essential to support a costs claim. The guidance recommends including:
– Original or official copies of all invoices and receipts
– A narrative that explains how each item of work contributed to the progression of the scheme claim
– Proof of engagement with legal representatives and any approvals required for specialist input
– Any correspondence that confirms the necessity and reasonableness of the costs claimed

Timelines and decision-making
The guidance outlines timelines for submitting costs claims and for DBT to assess them. Applicants should:
– Submit costs claims promptly and in accordance with the stated deadlines
– Expect a formal decision from DBT after review, including a rationale for approval or rejection of specific items
– Be informed of the process if an appeal or reconsideration is available, should a claim be refused or partially approved

Decision and appeals
DBT aims to provide clear decisions on cost submissions. If a claim is not fully approved, applicants will typically receive an explanation and information about any available avenues for review or appeal in line with the scheme’s procedures.

Where to find the full guidance
The comprehensive guidance on legal costs coverage for Capture Redress Scheme applicants is published on GOV.UK and linked from the DBT’s official Capture Redress Scheme pages. It includes the full scope, detailed eligibility criteria, examples of eligible and ineligible costs, templates, and contact information for queries.

What this means for applicants
– If you are pursuing the Capture Redress Scheme, you should familiarise yourself with the guidance to understand what legal costs may be payable and what evidence you will need to provide.
– Prepare a clear, well-documented costs claim that demonstrates necessity, relevance and reasonableness.
– Use the approved submission channels and adhere to deadlines to ensure your costs are considered.

Final note
This guidance is designed to promote consistency and fairness in how legal costs are treated across Capture Redress Scheme cases. It is subject to updates as the scheme evolves, so applicants and representatives should regularly consult the latest version on GOV.UK. If you have questions about how the guidance applies to your circumstances, consult the official guidance or contact the DBT team responsible for the Capture Redress Scheme through the channels listed in the publication.

February 10, 2026 at 02:03PM
指南：Capture Redress Scheme 的法律费用框架
本指南说明商务与贸易部（DBT）将为 Capture Redress Scheme 申请人承担的法律费用。

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