COAL MINING REPORTS - REVISED FEE STRUCTURE FROM 1 APRIL 2002

In response to customer feedback we are simplifying our fee structure for coal mining reports. From 1 April 2002 two report types will be available, as follows:-

1. a residential property search at £15 inclusive of vat. this will be available for single unit residential property, either existing or currently being built, e.g. a single plot on a residential development site. The report will answer questions 1 to 9 of the current Law Society Scheme Search Form.
2. a non-residential property or development site search at £45 inclusive of vat. This will be available for commercial or development sites up to a maximum of 25 hectares in extent. The report will answer questions 1 to 12 of the current Law Society Scheme Standard & Special Development Search Form.

Both report types will be available through the Coal Authority's normal business channels, i.e. by post, call-centre and on-line service (www.coalminingreports.co.uk) . Notwithstanding the introduction of our on-line service (which return the majority of reports within 24 hours), many customers still use our expedited fax service and this service will still be available on payment of an additional fee of £59 inclusive.

At present, where shafts are disclosed in a mining report, further fees are charged for shaft location plans when more than three shafts are recorded within a non-residential, commercial or development site. From 1 April this additional charge will not apply and a shaft location plan will be provided in all cases.

Any "old fees" posted by a customer and received by the Authority after 1 April will be returned with a request for the correct fee.

We hope you take advantage of the benefits that these changes bring. If you wish to discuss these changes or have any queries about them please contact us on 0845 762 6848 or by e-mail on miningreports@coal.gov.uk