Public inquiry fees explained

How much does legal representation at a public inquiry cost?

When you need legal representation at a public inquiry, the cost can be of great concern. This is especially so as most inquiries can last years with lawyers working a significant number of hours to provide you with the absolute best representation.

It's difficult to exactly how a public inquiry is funded as each is different. When an inquiry is announced, it's usually the case that whichever Government Minister’s office called for the inquiry will be responsible for the cost. That includes the reasonable legal costs of legal representatives for the Core Participants. There are however occasions when costs would not automatically be funded by the inquiry.

Can you get No Win No Fee funding for a public inquiry?

No. Although this is the preferred method of most claims because it allows you to make a claim without any financial risk to you, public inquiries are not claims. However, the legal costs of public inquiries are usually covered by whichever Government Minister’s office called for the inquiry.

I’m worried about legal costs. Should I represent myself?

Some people decide to represent themselves at public inquiries. However, inquiries can be extremely distressing, given the subject matter will no doubt have affected you greatly. They can also be very technical and use legal jargon. Having an expert lawyer in public inquiries represent you means that you’ll be able to understand exactly what is going on at all times, as your lawyer will explain everything thoroughly, and they’ll ensure all your concerns are addressed, which will help prevent you suffering additional distress.

In the vast majority of inquiries, there’s no need to be worried about the cost of legal representation as this will not be paid by you.

My friend had legal representation at an inquest and paid for representation out of their compensation claim. Is that how inquiries are paid?

Inquests and inquiries are different and are both funded in different ways.

When you need legal representation for an inquest, you can apply for Legal Aid, pay privately or, if you go on to have a civil claim (for example, a road traffic accident compensation claim) upon conclusion, inquest fees will form part of the costs of your case.

I have a personal injury claim for the same reason I’m a Core Participant in the inquiry – does my personal injury legal fees get paid by the same Government office?

No. Funding for a personal injury claim is completely different. In the majority personal injury claims are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement, which means, if you lose your case, you don’t have to pay and therefore, there’s no financial risk to you. Your public inquiry lawyer will discuss this separately with you.

Contact us

If a public inquiry has been announced which affects you and you believe you should be recognised as a Core Participant, read more about what we can do to help or simply contact our experts by emailing [email protected].