The Environment Agency has published its new charging scheme for regulatory permits and services, which will be effective from 1 April 2018.
The new charges have been introduced so that businesses and organisations cover the full cost of the services they receive rather than the public – this represents a more financially-sustainable model which is simpler, fairer and more effective and that will lead to long-term environmental improvements. Charges for permits and other regulatory services have remained static for the last 7 years.
The charges were drafted with feedback from industry and were subject to a public consultation. The consultation response document is also being published today, which includes the changes we have made as a result of comments we have received from customers, trades associations and the public.
The charges reflect the amount of regulatory effort needed at a site and will allow the Environment Agency to invest further in our permitting service. Businesses that are well-managed and low-hazard present a low environmental risk and will be charged less. Higher-risk or poor-performing businesses will be charged more.
Full information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-charges-announced-for-regulatory-services
