There’s good news for childcare providers this week! The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is reducing the cost of DBS checks and Update Service subscriptions from Monday 5 October 2026. 

The new fees will be: 

• Basic DBS check: £20 – reduced from £21.50 

• Standard DBS check: £20 – reduced from £21.50 

• Enhanced DBS check: £41 – reduced from £49.50 

• Update Service: £15 per year – reduced from £16 

• Volunteer DBS checks: remain free 

The biggest reduction is for Enhanced DBS checks, which are commonly required for people working in regulated activity with children. 

DBS has confirmed that the fee reductions will not affect the standard or rigour of DBS checks.

Find out more about the DBS fee reductions: 

DBS reduces fees for checks and Update Service from 5 October 2026 – GOV.UK