It is being sought becasue local authority regulators are saying that the current £134 fee does not cover reasonable costs in working to ensure applications are made correctly

Both DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly have sent out consultation letters requesting comments on the proposed increase, with a deadline of 24 August in England, and in Wales by 1 September.

The implementation of the Solvent Emissions Directive has meant that “existing” drycleaners must apply for a permit to operate and have their application accepted as “duly made” by October 31 2006. The increased fee would only apply to those who have not met this deadline.