The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) introduced new cost recovery rates for 2026, impacting a variety of regulated sectors. Below is a summary of the key updates and their implications for businesses.
The HSE has announced an increase to its cost recovery hourly rates, affecting a range of regulatory regimes including fee for intervention (FFI), COMAH and offshore safety.
The revised rates came into effect on 1st April 2026, to ensure full cost recovery for its enforcement and regulatory activities.
The updated charges apply to all of the HSE’s main cost recovery regimes. Among the most widely referenced changes, the hourly rate for fee for intervention (FFI) has increased from £183 to £188.
Other notable adjustments include:
- COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards): £212 to £218
- Offshore safety: £322 to £332
- Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996: £173 to £178
- Oil, gas and chemical pipelines: £173 to £178
- Onshore oil, gas and geothermal operations: £204 to £210
- Wind and marine energy (renewables): £246 to £253
- Explosives regulation: £145 to £149
- Ionising radiation consents: £227 to £234
- Carriage of dangerous goods: £75 to £77
The new rates do not apply retrospectively to interventions that span the 1st April 2026 implementation date.
According to the HSE, the increases are designed to align with government policy requiring regulators to recover the full costs of certain activities from those who create and manage risk.
The HSE reiterated that its approach to cost recovery has not changed, with fees applying only to specific regulatory functions where full cost recovery is mandated.
Under this model, businesses and dutyholders bear the cost of regulatory oversight where their activities give rise to risks requiring intervention or ongoing regulation.
For information on fees, charges and regulatory guidance, visit the official HSE website.
