Purpose

To enable the Building Control department to implement the new charges introduced following changes to legislation.
Portfolio Holder Concurrence was obtained and details of the proposed fees and charges is shown on the attached briefing note.

Decision

Following an amendment to the Building Regulations, to implement the new fees and charges schedule in accordance with The Building (Local Authority Charges and Amendments Relating to Charges) (England) Regulations 2026

Alternative options considered

On 7th September 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced in Parliament that a review of the Local Government Reorganisation programme was commencing and that the decision made in March 2026 for Greater Essex (and other areas) had been withdrawn in light of new legal advice. Following this announcement, local authorities received correspondence from the Minister of Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting that until this review has concluded, Councils cease work on implementing the decisions that have previously been announced. The timetable for completion of the review is unknown at this time.
This proposal is not impacted by MHCLG’s request, as it relates to the National Building Regulations Legislation and supports effective cost recovery of the functions undertaken by the Building Control department.