Magistrates are unpaid volunteer members of the judiciary, however allowances may be claimed for certain expense
Expenses can cover certain costs, including travel and subsistence where required.
It is expected that magistrates will commit to a minimum of 26 half-day sittings in court each year. The law requires employers to grant magistrates sufficient time off work to enable them to fulfil their magisterial duties; please check the Employment Rights Act to ensure you know your rights.
Magistrates who suffer a loss of earnings as a result of their duties can claim a loss allowance, usually at a set rate; evidence of financial loss must be provided before magistrates can make a claim.
Below you will see the rates of allowance for financial loss, travel and subsistence (as of May 2010). Please note that these are maximum figures.
Allowance Type
Current Allowance Rate
Allowance Rate from 1 April 2021
Gross Rate
(self employed justices)
Up to four hours
£58.29
Over four hours
£116.58
Net Rate
(other justices)
£46.63
£93.27
The upper payment threshold applicable to a magistrate’s claim for financial loss is that which applied on the date of the submission of their most recent Annual Declaration.
Description
Allowance Rate in Pence per Mile
Engine Capacity
Up to 1100cc
1101 – 1549cc
Over 1550cc
36
44
58
6
29
The applicable mileage rates are the approved tax-free mileage rates set by HMRC as available on gov.uk. Rates given are correct as at November 2020. The car and van rate is applicable for the first 10,000 miles in a financial year; miles thereafter are reimbursed at 25p per mile.
Allowance Rate
£100.00
£120.00
£7.45
£10.38
£19.60