This is the next step of the phased roll-out of charges, with charges being introduced for those licence types where Natural England claims to be confident of consistently achieving improved service levels. Reflecting this approach, Natural England has taken the decision to defer the implementation of charges for great crested newt mitigation licences until November as the improvements in resourcing to deliver enhanced service levels are not yet in place.

In addition, Natural England will be implementing charges for modifications to bat and dormouse mitigation licences from 1st July except where a charge exemption applies or where the modification requested is trivial in nature.

Natural England advises that charging will be at the variable rate of £101 per hour. Most modifications for dormice and bat licences are expected to cost less than £500. Natural England will not therefore be offering a price indication request service for modifications for dormouse and bat licences. Rather they will review whether to offer price indications as they approach the start of charges for great crested newt mitigation licences as modifications to these licences can be substantial.