DCLG Explain Fee Increase

When Elmhurst announced that the Government were increasing  central lodgement fees we were compelled to contact DCLG to ask for an explanation as to the size of increase and to explain the negative impact this will have on Elmhurst Members, many of whom will be out of pocket until the fee increase can be reflected in contracts.

Elmhurst was pleased to receive a full and considered response which explained that the recent reduction in EPC volumes means that the cost of operating the EPBD Registers has to be covered by fewer than expected lodgements. As a result of this, the lodgement fee needs to increase to cover the same cost base.

When it came to timing, the changes were required to be implemented on 6th April, but as the fees are written in regulations, it is necessary for  them to be laid before Parliament prior to their publication, which couldn't occur until the 15 March 2016. Encouragingly, the DCLG acknowledges that any increase in lodgement fees will have a significant impact on Energy Assessors, and the department, who are currently planning to retender for the Central Register contract; will look at how the lodgement fee can be set in future and whether another model might work.