Where do I get information about this?
The
Being a Witness booklets explain what expenses and allowances you may be entitled to claim and how to claim them. The booklets tell you how much can be claimed or will be reimbursed, what proof is required and which items would need to be agreed in with the Fiscal in advance.
If you have any questions about your entitlement to expenses please contact the Procurator Fiscal's office and the staff there will be happy to help.
The cashier at the Procurator Fiscal's office can help you to fill in the claim form if you would like help with this. Take it to them after you have been advised that you can leave court or post the completed form to the Procurator Fiscal's office.
What expenses/allowances can I claim?
You can be reimbursed or receive expenses for:
- Travel costs to and from court (taxi or air travel must be agreed in advance with the Fiscal)
- Loss of earnings (you will need documentary proof to back this up)
- The cost of drinks and snacks while you are at court
- Childminding and care cover expenses (again proof will be needed if you are using a registered care provider or childminder)
People asked by the fiscal to accompany child, disabled or vulnerable witnesses can claim expenses in the same way.
How will expenses be paid?
Expenses are reimbursed by payable order sent to your home address. This order will be sent by first class post within 4 working days of the date your completed claim form is received by the Procurator Fiscal's office.
Cash payments are only made in exceptional cases of genuine hardship or emergency. The Office Manager at the Procurator Fiscal's office may authorise a cash payment up to a limit of £30.00 to cover travel costs, meal allowances and any other out of pocket expenses.