Disclosure and Barring Service Confirms price decreases for all services

Parliament today (9th September) approved a proposal from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to reduce the prices across all services offered, but most significantly for Enhanced DBS applications. The new pricing structure will come into effect on the 5th October 2026.

BAckground

As a public body, the DBS is obligated to review its prices annually to ensure they are managing public funds fairly and effectively. They are funded entirely by the fees they charge for processing DBS applications.

Over the past few years, we have experienced two increases in the government fee charged per application to registered bodies, like Personnel Checks. These increases have been levied largely to help finance the DBS’ ongoing infrastructure modernisation project, to make sure they are delivering a service that is safe, secure and streamlined for the public.

2026 Price Decrease

From Monday, 5th October, the prices will follow the structure below:

• Basic DBS check: £20.00 (reduced from £21.50)

• Standard DBS check: £20.00 (reduced from £21.50)

• Enhanced DBS check: £41.00 (reduced from £49.50)

• Update Service subscription: £15.00 per year (reduced from £16.00)

• Volunteer checks remain free of charge.

The new fees have been approved by multiple government organisations, including the DBS board, Home Office, HM Treasury, and the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls.

In their press release, DBS stresses that their commitment is to providing a quality service, and these reductions in price will not impact the rigorous standards needed to deliver an effective service.

If you are a current Personnel Checks customer, we will be communicating exactly what this means for you in the next couple of weeks. If you have any questions at all, please do feel free to reach out to the team directly.