Regulation update · 5 October 2026

DBS check fees cut from 5 October 2026

The fee for an enhanced DBS check fell from £49.50 to £41, and the DBS Update Service fell from £16 to £15 a year.

What to do

Update the fees in your recruitment budget and job offer letters.
If you use an umbrella body, check its own admin fee on top.
Keep every new starter's enhanced check with the children's barred list before they start.

Every timescale on one pageThe free manager's clock card is updated whenever a timescale changes. Get the clock card

This update explains a change in plain English. It is not legal advice. Check the source for the full detail.

PATH-RM3 hours

Managers, deputies and aspiring managers

Reg 44 and 45, notifications, inspection, enforcement and safer recruitment, including the 2026 changes.

LiveLicence

Tell us your homes, your team and what is due. We reply within two working days with dates and a quote.