The Environment Agency has indicated that its fees may rise significantly to reflect the true cost of delivering its services following the recently undertaken Strategic Review of Charges (SRoC).
Wiser Environment reported this summer that the Environment Agency (EA) was undertaking an SRoC which was likely to result in increased charges including around the assessment of Fire Prevention Plans. Following the completion of the SRoC the EA has outlined its plans to recover the full cost of legitimate regulatory activity and some non-regulatory activity as well as offering new chargeable services. The EA has given an initial indication of some of its proposed new charges with some fees rising significantly – a Standard Permit with Fire Prevention Plan could increase by 140% and a bespoke MRF application by over 350%. Similar increases to annual subsistence charges are also proposed.
Charles Thomas, Consultancy Director, Wiser Environment says: “The EA is proposing wholesale changes to its fee structure with some massive increases. This will no doubt cause a strong reaction and considerable debate amongst those affected. I’m sure the industry will be interested to see how these increases will be used to target those who operate outside the regulatory system”
The EA will shortly be consulting on the SRoC with proposed fee increases taking effect from April 2018. This is your chance to provide your views. Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you need to discuss the potential implications for your waste activities.