Title: Understanding the Legal Costs Covered by DBT for Capture Redress Scheme Applicants

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has now clarified the framework governing the legal costs that will be covered for applicants navigating the Capture Redress Scheme. This guidance is designed to provide transparency and consistency, ensuring that those who have been affected understand what the scheme contributes towards legal expenses and how those contributions are calculated.

Key aims of the guidance
– To specify the scope of legal costs that the DBT will fund on behalf of eligible applicants.
– To establish clear criteria for eligibility and the types of legal services included in the coverage.
– To set out the processes for applying for cost reimbursement or direct payment, including documentation requirements and timelines.
– To maintain safeguarding measures that prevent misuse while ensuring timely access to legal support for applicants.

What counts as covered legal costs
The guidance outlines several categories of legal costs that may be considered for coverage. These typically include fees incurred for legal advice and representation that are directly related to pursuing redress under the scheme. In practice, applicants can expect the following to be addressed:
– Initial legal consultations to assess eligibility and strategy.
– Legal opinions and case strategy planning necessary to proceed with the claim.
– Representation at essential proceedings connected to the application, including negotiations, settlements, or formal hearings where applicable.
– Administrative charges and disbursements that are reasonably incurred in the course of pursuing the claim.

What may be excluded
To ensure the scheme’s sustainability and fairness, there are boundaries around what is not covered. Examples commonly specified include:
– Costs related to non-essential or cosmetic aspects of the case.
– Legal activities that do not directly advance the applicant’s claim under the Capture Redress Scheme.
– Costs incurred for services not reasonably necessary for pursuing the scheme, or those that exceed approved limits without prior acknowledgment.
– Any costs associated with personal matters unrelated to the legal claim under the scheme.

Eligibility criteria and documentation
Applicants will typically need to demonstrate that:
– They meet the eligibility requirements set out by the scheme.
– The legal costs claimed are proportionate to the value and complexity of the case.
– The services were provided by a legally recognised adviser or firm, with appropriate invoicing and supporting documentation.
The guidance emphasises the importance of submitting clear, itemised invoices and records to facilitate timely reimbursement or direct payment.

Application process and timelines
The guidance describes a streamlined process intended to minimise delays:
– Applicants should prepare a comprehensive breakdown of incurred legal costs, with accompanying invoices and hardship statements where relevant.
– Submissions will be reviewed against predefined criteria, with decisions communicated within set timeframes.
– Where costs cover complex or disputed aspects of a claim, interim assessments may be provided to avoid protracted financial barriers to continuing the pursuit.

Safeguards and accountability
To safeguard public resources and maintain integrity, the policy includes:
– Regular auditing of approved costs and verification against supporting documentation.
– Clear avenues for applicants to appeal or query decisions related to cost coverage.
– Public reporting on overall expenditure and scheme effectiveness, subject to privacy considerations.

Practical considerations for applicants
– Start with a cost assessment: Engage a solicitor or adviser experienced in redress schemes to obtain a realistic estimate of eligible legal costs.
– Keep meticulous records: Maintain detailed invoices, timesheets, and correspondence related to the legal work.
– Communicate promptly: If there are changes in the scope of work or potential overages, notify the administering body to adjust coverage as needed.
– Seek clarity on disbursements: Confirm what specific out-of-pocket expenses are claimable and how documentation should be presented.

Conclusion
The DBT’s guidance on legal costs for Capture Redress Scheme applicants is intended to provide clarity, fairness, and practical support. By delineating eligible costs, documentation requirements, and processes for reimbursement, the scheme aims to reduce financial barriers and enable claimants to pursue redress with appropriate professional legal assistance. Applicants are encouraged to review the guidance carefully, prepare their documentation thoroughly, and engage with approved advisers to navigate the process effectively.

February 10, 2026 at 02:03PM
指南：补偿救济计划：法律费用框架
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capture-redress-scheme-legal-costs-framework
本指南列出商务与贸易部（DBT）将为“捕捉(redress?)”补偿救济计划申请人承担的法律费用。

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