The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Fees) Regulations 2026
These Regulations officially set the specific monetary amounts for fees payable by providers of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services, as mandated by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The instrument details the fixed fees for applying for, varying, and periodically maintaining accreditation, specifying the amounts for initial applications (£6,151), application variation (£950), and recurring six-monthly fees (£1,318), all of which are payable to the designated ADR authority starting from April 6th, 2026.
Arguments For
Establishes a clear, predictable financial framework for the accreditation and ongoing regulation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers, supporting the regulatory structure established by the primary Act.
The fees (e.g., £6,151 for initial application) cover the administrative and oversight costs incurred by the designated ADR authority responsible for maintaining the quality and standards of these dispute resolution services.
Provides necessary funding for the ADR authority to execute its functions under Chapter 4 of Part 4 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, ensuring consumer protection and fair competition are upheld.
Arguments Against
The specified fees, particularly the high initial accreditation fee (£6,151), may create a financial barrier to entry for smaller or newly established dispute resolution bodies seeking to operate under the new regime, potentially limiting competition among ADR providers.
Periodic fees (£1,318 every six months) impose an ongoing administrative burden and cost on accredited providers, which these costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers or businesses participating in the schemes.
The regulation imposes mandatory financial obligations on ADR providers, which, while necessary for oversight, represents an increased regulatory compliance cost compared to previous frameworks.
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
2026 No. 290
CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Fees) Regulations 2026
| Made - - - | 11th March 2026 | |---|---| | Laid before Parliament | 16th March 2026 | | Coming into force - | 6th April 2026 |
This establishes the instrument as a Statutory Instrument, numbered 2026 No. 290, concerning Consumer Protection.
It formally names the regulations as those governing Fees for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The dates indicate the instrument was made on March 11th, 2026, laid before Parliament on March 16th, 2026, and came into force on April 6th, 2026.
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 300(1) and (2)(c) of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024( 1 ).
The Secretary of State has had regard to the matters in section 300(3) of that Act in making these Regulations.
The Secretary of State created these rules by using the authority granted under sections 300(1) and (2)(c) of the primary 2024 Act, which deals with digital markets and competition.
Before creating the regulations, the Secretary of State confirmed they considered the specific factors outlined in section 300(3) of that Act when determining the fees.
Citation, commencement and extent
- -(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Fees) Regulations 2026.
- (2) These Regulations come into force on 6th April 2026.
- (3) These Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The first regulation specifies the official title by which these rules are known.
It confirms that the rules became legally effective on April 6th, 2026.
Furthermore, it clarifies that the geographic extent of the regulations covers all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Interpretation
- In these Regulations-
'the Act' means the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024;
'the ADR authority' means-
- (a) any person on which functions are conferred by regulations made under section 307 (power to confer functions) of the Act; or
- (b) where there is no such person, the Secretary of State.
This section defines key terms used throughout the regulations. 'The Act' refers directly to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The 'ADR authority' is defined as either a specific body granted powers under section 307 of the Act, or, if no such body exists, the Secretary of State takes on that function.
Application for accreditation fee
- -(1) The fee referred to in section 296(1)(b) (application for accreditation) of the Act is £6,151.
- (2) The fee is payable to the ADR authority.
( 1 ) 2024 c. 13.
This regulation sets the specific cost for an ADR provider seeking initial approval under the Act's section 296(1)(b).
The fee for this application for accreditation is fixed at £6,151.
This payment must be made directly to the body designated as the ADR authority.
Application for variation of accreditation fee
- -(1) The fee referred to in section 296(5) (application for variation of accreditation) of the Act is £950.
(2) The fee is payable to the ADR authority.
This sets the charge for when an already accredited ADR provider requests a change or 'variation' to their existing accreditation details, as detailed in section 296(5).
This modification fee is set at £950, and the payment is directed to the ADR authority.
Periodic fees
- -(1) The fee referred to in section 299(1) (fees payable by accredited ADR providers) of the Act is £1,318.
(2) The fee is payable to the ADR authority-
- (a) for the first time, before the end of the period of one month, beginning with the relevant date; and
- (b) thereafter, before the end of the period of one month, beginning with the end of each successive period of six months following the relevant date.
(3) In this regulation, 'the relevant date' means the last day of the period of six months beginning with the date on which the accreditation of the ADR provider( 2 ) takes effect.
( 2 ) See section 291(6) of the Act for the definition of 'ADR provider'.
Regulation 5 establishes the ongoing fee that accredited ADR providers must pay, set at £1,318, per section 299(1) of the Act.
The first payment is due within one month after the 'relevant date,' which is six months from the date accreditation begins.
Subsequent payments are due within one month after the end of every subsequent six-month period following that initial date, and payments go to the ADR authority.
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