What expenses can Expert Witnesses claim for?

Paragraph 3 of Section 6 sets out the guidelines for general provisions relating to experts and the following are not payable by the Commission as disbursements from 3rd October 2011:

a) Any administration fee charged by an expert, including (but not limited to)-
i) a fee in respect of office space or provision of a consultation room
ii) a fee in respect of administrative support service, such as typing services;
iii) a fee in respect of courier services; and
iv) a subsistence fee;

b) Any cancellation fee charged by an expert, where the notice of cancellation was given to the expert more than 72 hours before the relevant hearing or appointment

The Community Legal Service Order 2011 (amendment No. 2) further states that:

4. The maximum amount that the Commission may pay as a disbursement in respect of an expert’s vehicle mileage is £0.45 per mile

5. The maximum amount that the Commission may pay as a disbursement in respect of an expert’s travel time is £40.00 per hour

An expert is also expected to take advantage, where possible, of cheap fares when utilising public transport. Costs must be reasonably incurred, taking account of all the circumstances.

In respect of overnight expenses, whilst these do not form part of the Orders, they will still be subject to the LAA’s guidance rates. Overnight expenses cover Bed and Breakfast accommodation only and can only be granted where it would be unreasonable for the expert to travel the required distance each day and not possible to use the services of someone more local. The LAA’s current guidance rates are £85.25 in London and £55.25 outside of London.