What is a Statement of Means?

If your case is referred to Court, any fine you receive won't just be based on the offence itself—it will also depend on your personal financial situation. To assess that fairly, the Court uses something called a Statement of Means.

What is a Statement of Means?

A Statement of Means is a form—officially called the MC100—that outlines your income, expenses, and any financial commitments. It helps the Court understand your ability to pay and ensures any penalty is proportionate to your circumstances.

It's usually required when a fine could be imposed, and it's essential that the information you provide is accurate and complete.

Why does the Court need my financial details?

The justice system aims to ensure fairness across the board. That means someone earning £300 a week shouldn't be fined the same as someone earning £2,000 a week. The Statement of Means gives the Court the context to set a fine that acts as a deterrent regardless of your income.

The form also helps the Court enforce the fine if it goes unpaid. For example, your employment details could be used to issue an Attachment of Earnings Order.

What if I don't want to disclose my income?

You're not legally required to fill out the form, but failing to do so can backfire. If the Court doesn't receive a completed Statement of Means, it can assume a default income of £440 per week, which may result in a higher fine than expected.

Worse, if the Court believes you're withholding information, they may impose an even larger fine—or add a penalty for non-compliance.

Can I get help filling it out?

Yes. It's always a good idea to get legal advice when dealing with Court documents. A solicitor can review your Statement of Means as part of wider legal assistance, helping you avoid mistakes that could lead to a larger fine or delays.

Lost the form? Here's how to get another

If you've misplaced the form, you can request a replacement from the Court directly—or download a copy from the official government website below: