Decision details

To amend the B&NES Street Works Permit Scheme to introduce changes to street works permit fees. The council charges fees for street works permits to statutory undertakers (utility companies) for undertaking works on the public highway. The council is entitled to charge a fee to cover the cost of operating the permit scheme in relation to utility works.
Current fee levels have been reviewed and need to be increased in order to cover the operating costs of running the permit scheme. The council has consulted utility companies in line with statutory requirements on proposed new fees.
In order to bring the new fee structure in place, it is necessary to make an Order. This new fee structure would supersede those fees set out in the Council’s fees & charges document which was confirmed as part of the 2026/27 Budget.
The current and proposed permit fees are attached as background papers.
The changes to fees and charges have been agreed in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

An Order be made to amend the B&NES Street Works Permit Scheme with revised fees for street works permits.

Option 1 – do nothing.
This is not considered to be an option as costs have increased since the Permit Scheme was originally introduced and we would be unable to cover our scheme operating costs.

Option 2 – abandon the Permit Scheme.
This is not considered to be an option due to the benefits provided by the scheme.

Option 3 – amend the Permit Scheme fees to ensure that our operating costs are covered.
This is considered to be the most appropriate course of action in the circumstances.