Simple terms explainer 

Councils can charge fees for certain services they provide, like parking, leisure centres, waste uplifts, planning applications, and licences. These charges must be fair, transparent, and in some cases follow national rules or limits. Councils can’t charge for core statutory services like free schooling, and some income (e.g. from licences) must be used only for that service.

Legal status

Discretionary


Duty category

Finance


Duty type

Public facing


Social determinant of health

Economic Stability

Emerging policy and legislation


0

Bodies with shared interest

Audit Scotland
Accounts Commission
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

Standards and frameworks


1