This Order amends the Family Proceedings Fees Order 1999 as a result of amendments made by the Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21) and the State Pensions Credit Act 2002 (c. 16).

The Tax Credits Act 2002 abolishes working families' tax credit and disabled person’s tax credit from 6th April 2003 and introduces new tax credits called the working tax credit and child tax credit. Working tax credit will become a “qualifying benefit” under Article 5 of the County Court Fees Order 1999 so that no fee is payable under the Order by a party in receipt of working tax credit provided that the party is also in receipt of either child tax credit or there is a disability element to the working tax credit and that their gross income does not exceed £14,213 per year.

The State Pensions Credit Act 2002 comes into force on 6th October 2003 and replaces income support for pensioners with state pension credit. This comprises two elements, namely guarantee credit and savings credit. From 6th October 2003 guarantee credit will similarly become a “qualifying benefit” under Article 5.