Explanatory note

Under section 11 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), the Secretary of State may require charges to be paid in respect of, and for the purpose of meeting the cost of, licences issued by Natural England.

This Order sets out charges to be paid in relation to licences issued by Natural England under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69) and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (c. 51).

Article 3 provides that the charge for issuing a licence is specified in the Schedule. The charge may be a fixed charge, a variable charge calculated by multiplying the number of hours or part hours worked by £121, or a combination of the two. Article 3 also provides for an additional charge, based on an hourly rate of £121, for a fixed charge licence in certain prescribed circumstances.

This Order makes changes to the charges that were payable under the Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2018 to allow Natural England to recover their licensing service costs. Some charges have increased, some remain the same, and some have reduced. The hourly rate of £121 has increased 20% from £101 in the 2018 Order. Initial registrations for class survey licences will rise from £60 or £80 to £104, whilst annual renewal fees for registrations will remain at £35.

Article 4 contains provision relating to exemption from, and reduction and remission of, charges payable under article 3 of this Order.

Article 5 revokes the Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2018 which this instrument replaces, subject to saving provisions.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.