Member

It is important to note that the Secretary of State already has flexibility to set and adjust surcharge levels through regulation, subject to consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. The current provisions strike the right balance, allowing for both cost recovery and broader investment in system-wide improvements, such as relevant training for local authorities. Moreover, the uniform application of the surcharge promotes operational simplicity and avoids the complexity of case-by-case billing, which could delay decision-making. The Government are also committed to consult on the details of the surcharge to be set out in the regulations, including rates and application types, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. For these reasons, I hope that the noble Baroness is reassured and will beg leave to withdraw her amendment.