Health and safety watchdog delays implementation of cost recovery scheme

The Health and Safety Executive has delayed implementation of its cost recovery scheme, but insisted that it will still go ahead.

The watchdog had planned to introduce its Fee for Intervention scheme – under which it will recover costs from those who have broken health and safety laws – in April 2012.

Gordon MacDonald, the HSE’s programme director, said it would be brought in “at the next available opportunity, which is likely to be October 2012”.

He said discussions were still taking place on the technical details of the scheme, but added that these were expected to conclude soon. The delay will also be used by the HSE to raise awareness and understanding among businesses and other organisations.

MacDonald added: "The Government has agreed that it is right that those who break the law should pay their fair share of the costs to put things right - and not the public purse.”