SIA Licence Fee Cut: What It Means

With the extreme financial hardship being suffered as a result of the cost of living crisis, I am glad to report that, acknowledging that those in the UK security industry are amongst the lowest paid workers in the country, the regulator, the Security Industry Authority, has announced a reduction in the licence fee.

With central Government grants now being issued to households to help with energy bills, and the most vulnerable in society set to receive an additional £400 hardship payment, the SIA have seen the poverty faced by so many security industry workers and their families and has leapt into action to do its part!

Has it taken the decisive step to halve the fee, until the economy improves?

Well, not exactly.

Is it suspending licence renewal payments and setting a token £50 fee for newly issued licenses?

Alas no.

The licence fee is being reduced by……… in their words:

“From 6 April 2023, the cost of applying for an individual licence for any sector will be reduced from £190 to £184. This is the lowest fee ever since licensing was introduced in 2004.”

While I am pleased that the license fee is being reduced, it is sad that the dire situations so many security officers find themselves in, has not been treated with the urgency and seriousness it warrants. Still, those officers making the £6 saving can rush out and use the windfall to purchase:

• 19 Days of Spotify Premium. (Well, nearly)

Or if you’re feeling healthy, maybe:

• 3 Heads of Broccoli.

Or feeling celebratory:

• A whole 75cl bottle of Clearsprings Sauvignon Blanc.

Or if you have armed guards with you:

• 2 x 250g packs of Lurpak spreadable.

But to share the good news, how about:

• 2 whole sharing bags of Aero Bubbles Peppermint Mint Chocolates.

Let the good times roll! Just don’t spend it all at once…..

(Produce prices obtained via Sainsburys.co.uk, 28^th February 2023.)