Fees and charges for government services

Why this is important

Government agencies charge and manage a range of regulatory fees and service user charges. These include fees for applications, registrations, licences, identity documents and permits to access or use natural resources. 

In July 2020, the government released the Pricing for Value Guide to support agencies to set their fees and charges. It aims to support agencies to recover the full cost of regulating and delivering services. 

However, agencies may set their fees below or above cost recovery – either in recognition that some people are less able pay, or to fund a more specialised or higher level of service. 

Given that many fees and charges are for services or products where there is no market competition, it is important that agencies are transparent about how they are set.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if agencies set and report on service fees and charges fairly and transparently.

Who we plan to examine

A selection of departments and agencies

Further information

This is a limited assurance review.