DBS reduces fees for checks and Update Service from 5 October 2026
The Disclosure and Barring Service will lower fees for checks and the Update Service starting 5 October 2026, following annual review and approval by multiple government bodies.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) announced a reduction in fees for its products and services, including checks and the Update Service, effective from Monday 5 October 2026. The changes follow the service’s annual fee review, which aligns costs with the requirements of Managing Public Money. The DBS board, Home Office, HM Treasury, and the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls have scrutinised and approved the new fee structure.
The fee reduction applies across all DBS products, with the greatest decrease for Enhanced checks. The new fees will be implemented through a statutory instrument laid before Parliament on 9 September 2026. The DBS emphasised that quality and rigour of checks and services will remain unchanged despite the fee adjustments.
Registered Bodies and Responsible Organisations are required to update their systems and customer-facing information to reflect the new fees before the implementation date. The DBS does not regulate or set additional administration fees that these organisations may charge applicants.
The fee reduction is funded entirely by DBS, which operates without reliance on taxpayer funding. The changes aim to balance cost efficiency with maintaining high standards in safeguarding services.