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<p>Defra took the decision to delay the introduction of fees for import checks of
high-priority plants from the EU for 5 months to give businesses more time to prepare
and adjust to the new charging arrangements. This has enabled an accurate calculation
of the fees and allowed businesses more time to successfully implement the change.
During this time, Defra communicated extensively with industry and stakeholder groups
to ensure they were prepared for the new fees coming in.</p><p> </p><p>The methodology
used to calculate fees for plant health services was agreed with trade following a
fees review and consultation in 2017.</p><p> </p><p>It has long been UK Government
policy to charge for many publicly provided goods and services. The standard approach
is to set fees to recover the full costs of service delivery. This relieves the general
taxpayer of costs, so that they are properly borne by users who benefit from a service.
This allows for a more equitable distribution of public resources and enables lower
public expenditure and borrowing. Defra plant health services operate in line with
that principle and have done for many years. Plant health fees are reviewed regularly
and adjusted to ensure no under, or over, recovery of costs and amended as necessary.</p><p>
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