Claim for reimbursement of expenses for witnesses attending a Coroner’s inquest

When reimbursing expenses there are strict Home Office rules that must be followed, and maximum amounts for expenses of certain types that CANNOT be exceeded under any circumstances.

To ensure we can pay your claim promptly (our terms are 30 days) please read the guide notes on this page carefully BEFORE completing the form overleaf.

The completed form (signed and dated), together with relevant original receipts etc., must be returned to the Berkshire Coroner’s Office, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH.

Salary / wage

A letter from your employer (or accountant if self-employed) must support all claims. It needs to include your name, the hours you would normally have worked on that date (e.g., Monday 9.30am to 3.30pm), your normal hourly rate, and must confirm you have not already been paid for the time spent attending court.

Your claim can only be for the loss of earnings for your usual contracted work hours. The maximum amount payable (per day for the first 11 days) for up to 4 hours is £32.47 and for over 4 hours is £64.95. Over 11 days up to 4 hours is £64.95 and over 4 hours is £129.91.

Travelling expenses

The use of a taxi must be agreed with the Coroner’s Service in advance.

All claims for public transport, car parking or taxi fares must be supported with the original receipt (s). No first class or premium travel costs will be paid, only the standard fare.

If using your own transport you will need to detail the number of miles, which will be validated using an on-line mapping service (any discrepancy of 5 miles or more will be raised with you for clarification). Mileage is normally paid at 31.4p per mile (public transport rate) for motor vehicles and motorcycles and 9.6p per mile for bicycles.

Subsistence

The need for subsistence (such as refreshments) must be agreed with the Coroner Service in advance. All claims must be supported with the original receipt(s). The maximum payable for up to 10 hours is £5.71, for over 10 hours is £12.17 per day.

Signing and dating form

By signing and dating the form overleaf you certify that:

• the amounts stated are due because you attended an inquest as either a juror or a witness, as required by the Coroner.
• you understand that Home Office Regulations applying at the date of the inquest may dictate the amount payable to you (as detailed above).
• you have read and understood the guidelines above and attach original documents / receipts as required.