CPS Policy on claiming costs in extradition cases
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance outlines the CPS policy effective from January 1, 2025, regarding the claiming of costs in extradition proceedings. The guidance states that costs will typically be sought from the requested person unless they demonstrate dire financial circumstances. It specifies how costs are calculated and emphasizes that costs should generally not fall on public funds if the defendant has the means to contribute.
Key points
- CPS will apply a new cost claiming policy from January 1, 2025.
- Costs can be ordered under Extradition Act 2003.
- An application for costs will usually be made unless financial hardship is evidenced.
- CPS generally seeks costs in criminal and extradition cases.
- Costs include CPS staff, counsel fees, and witness expenses.
- Standard amounts for contributions will be set for different types of hearings.
- More could be requested for complex cases with higher preparation costs.
- Costs are payable to prosecution funds, not foreign states.
- Indicators of costs include defined hourly rates for CPS staff.
- The Court decides on awarding costs, and CPS initiates applications by default.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring defendants contribute to legal costs when able.
- Preventing public funds from bearing criminal costs.
- Promoting fairness in cost distribution among defendants.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.