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Form MC150 UK: Remit Criminal Courts Charge

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Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
If you were convicted in a magistrates' or Crown Court during the short period when the Criminal Courts Charge was in force, you may still be dealing with an outstanding balance on your account. Form MC150 is the route by which an offender can ask the court to cancel, or remit, that charge. It's not a widely used form today, but it remains relevant for anyone still carrying a historic charge on their record. On this page I'll walk you through what the form does, when it can be used, what the court looks at, and the practical steps involved. I'll also flag the points where people most commonly get stuck, so you can approach your application with a realistic view of what is and isn't likely to succeed. If you'd prefer to talk it through before putting anything in writing, we offer a call with an experienced legal adviser at the end of this page.

What this document is

Form MC150 is a written application made by an offender asking the court to remit (that is, wipe out or reduce) a Criminal Courts Charge previously imposed on them. The Criminal Courts Charge itself was a fixed sum added on top of any other financial orders when someone was convicted in a magistrates' or Crown Court in England and Wales.

It was introduced in April 2015 and abolished for new cases from December 2015, but charges already imposed during that window remained payable and can still appear on account today. The form is how you formally ask the court to stop pursuing that sum.

It asks for your personal details, information about the original case, and a picture of your financial circumstances. The court will look at whether you have taken reasonable steps to pay, whether you have been convicted of further offences, and how much time has passed. Remission is not automatic: the court decides based on the information you provide.

How to use this document

  1. Confirm the charge is a Criminal Courts Charge. Before completing MC150, check that the outstanding sum on your account is genuinely the Criminal Courts Charge and not a fine, compensation order, victim surcharge, prosecution costs, or another financial penalty. These other orders cannot be remitted using MC150. Your fines officer or the court that dealt with your case can confirm what each line on your account represents.
  2. Gather your personal and case details. You'll need your full name, date of birth, current address, and the details of the original proceedings, including the court that dealt with your case and, where possible, the case reference number. Having the original sentencing paperwork in front of you makes this far easier. The court needs to be able to identify your file quickly to consider your application.
  3. Set out your financial circumstances honestly. The form asks about your income, benefits, outgoings, dependants, and any debts. Be straightforward and realistic. If your situation has changed significantly since sentencing, explain when and how. Courts look for a clear, verifiable picture rather than a general claim of hardship, so include figures where you can and keep supporting evidence such as payslips or benefit letters to hand.
  4. Submit the form to the correct court. MC150 must go to the court responsible for the original prosecution, not necessarily the court nearest where you now live. Send it by post or hand it in at the counter, keeping a copy for your own records. If you are unsure which court holds your file, the enforcement team that writes to you about the outstanding balance will be able to tell you.
  5. Wait for the court's decision and respond promptly. The court may deal with your application on the papers or ask you to attend a hearing. Either way, respond quickly to any request for further information. If the application is refused, you may still be able to agree a revised payment plan. If it is granted in full or in part, keep written confirmation in case any future enforcement action refers to the charge.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Common questions

Q Is the Criminal Courts Charge still being imposed?
No. The Criminal Courts Charge applied only to offences committed between April and December 2015. It was abolished for new cases from 24 December 2015. However, charges that were already imposed during that window remained legally payable, which is why MC150 still matters for anyone carrying a historic balance.
Q Can MC150 be used to reduce a fine or compensation order?
No. MC150 is specifically for the Criminal Courts Charge. Fines, compensation orders, victim surcharges, and prosecution costs are separate and are dealt with through different processes, usually by applying to the court for a variation or speaking to the fines officer about a payment plan.
Q What does the court actually consider when deciding whether to remit?
The court looks at how much time has passed since the charge was imposed, whether you have made reasonable efforts to pay, whether you have been convicted of further offences in the meantime, and whether your financial circumstances make payment unrealistic. The weight given to each factor is a matter for the court in your case.
Q Do I have to attend a hearing?
Not necessarily. Many MC150 applications are decided on the papers, meaning the court reaches a decision based purely on what you have written and any supporting evidence. In some cases the court may list a hearing, particularly if it wants to question you about your finances or your efforts to pay.
Q What happens if my application is refused?
If remission is refused, the charge remains payable and enforcement can continue. You may be able to negotiate a revised payment plan with the fines officer, or reapply later if your circumstances change significantly. Ignoring the charge is rarely a good strategy and can lead to further enforcement action.
Q Is there a fee to submit Form MC150?
Court fees change from time to time, so check the current position on gov.uk before sending your application. In many cases applications of this kind do not attract a fee, but it is sensible to confirm directly with the court before posting the form.
Q Can someone else apply on my behalf?
The application is made by the offender, but a representative such as a solicitor or, in limited circumstances, a family member with your written authority can help you prepare and submit it. The financial information still has to relate to you, and the court will usually want to hear directly from you if a hearing is listed.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.