Massive permit charge hikes reflect staff efforts, says EA chair

Asked whether environmental concerns were behind the proposed hikes, Ms Howard Boyd said: “The reason we put out the review was because for the last six years, we have not been able to raise our charges.

“We wanted to make sure the charging regime washes its face in terms of the amount of time and effort our staff put into the various categories, and it covers the vast majority of our permit charges.

“We are in the middle of reviewing the consultation responses. The whole point of the consultation is to listen.”