Witnessing of Statutory declaration for deposit deduction. NRLA Solicitor?

Tenancy Deposits

My ex-tenant vacated the property with rent arrears. I have no forwarding address and he’s not responding to phone calls, emails or text, (no surprise). I have submitted a claim to the DPS for the rent arrears but as the ex-tenant has not responded to the DPS after 14 days, I have received a statutory declaration form from the DPS for me to complete. It requires my signature to be witnessed by a Solicitor, Magistrate or Commissioner of Oath. No doubt they will charge for this service but can I deduct this from the deposit bearing in mind that I have already submitted a claim figure to the DPS for the rent arrears so this will need to be changed, if I’m allowed to, if I’m charged for the witnessing of the declaration.

Further, would the NRLA solicitor be witness as on the declaration form one can have a witness from overseas!! Electronic witnessing I assume.

Once the declaration is submitted, and the ex-tenant still does not respond, it will take another 14 days.. That’s 28 days before I get payment from submitting my claim. We LL must refund tenant within 10 days.. One rule for LL another rule for tenants. DING DING!! Advantage tenants.

Property now on open market for sale I’ve had enough, but another xx to go. I’m a LL, get me out of here.

I’m investing in stocks and shares and the (BRS) sector, Buy Renovate Sell, no tenants.