Claiming Expenses

Prosecution Witnesses

As a prosecution witness called to give evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) you may be entitled to claim expenses, for example, for travel or loss of earnings.

In order to claim expenses you will need to complete a claim form.

If you are attending a Youth Court or Magistrates’ Court to give evidence you will receive your claim form in advance from the Witness Care Unit/CPS.

If you are attending a Crown Court to give evidence the CPS representative at the court will provide you with the relevant form after you have given your evidence.

For further information on the types of expenses you can claim (including for expert witnesses) please refer to the guidance contained on the CPS website, or contact your local Witness Care Unit or CPS representative.

Defence Witnesses

As a defence witness you may be entitled to claim expenses from the court for your attendance at the hearing in a Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court.

Once you have given your evidence and have been told that you are no longer required a member of the court staff will inform you how you can claim your expenses.

Dependent on the type of court at which you give your evidence, you will either be asked to complete a form or write in to the court separately. If you are asked to complete a form you can either complete the document at the court (if you have the necessary accompanying documentation, which will depend on the claim you are making) or send your completed claim form to the court at a later date.

For further information please see the guide to allowances or contact your local court.