A number of Gwent lawyers are opposing the Ministry of Justice’s plans to increase fees for money claims from April 2015.

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors is against the plans due to concerns that it will have a negative effect on access to justice.

The Monmouthshire Law Society president Ashley Harkus, of Gwent-based ETLP, has also written to all of the MPs in the region to alert them to the effects of the increases.

The plans come following a consultation held in December 2013 to increase court fees in a number of areas, including money claims, personal injury, commercial proceedings, hearings and divorce proceedings in a bid to raise an extra £190m for Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

Money claims include debts such as loans, utility bills, business debts owed under contract for goods or services delivered. The plans will also increase the fees for obtaining a divorce.

The changes will also mean that small businesses who are forced to progress legal action with debtors will have to pay extra money to take the company to court. This can severely damage a business’ cashflow and could result in businesses not seeking legal action and being forced into bankruptcy.

Watkins and Gunn Solicitors is supporting the Law Society’s campaign against the changes due to deep concerns that it will make the legal system unaffordable and less accessible.

Clive Thomas, managing partner of Watkins & Gunn, which has offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, and president of the South Western Law Societies, said: “We have been against the proposed changes to increase court fees since the consultation began in 2013. The court system should be accessible to everyone and not just for those who can afford it. It is a sad irony that this latest set- back to access to justice comes during the 800 year anniversary of Magna Carta which gave all free men the right to justice which no man should sell, deny or delay.

“With the legal aid cuts in 2013, and now the fee increases, it is making progressing legal action extremely expensive and difficult, which is why we are urging everyone to support the Law Society’s campaign to oppose these changes.”