Summary
PSAA has published the fee scale for 2025/26 audits, following consultation with bodies and other stakeholders.
PSAA consulted on the 2025/26 fee scale proposals during September–October 2025, which included an average increase of approximately 4% comprising 2.8% to cover a contractual inflationary increase payable to audit firms for 2025/26 and a provisional 1.2% for additional audit work. This estimate was based on firms’ submissions received since the 2024/25 scale was set. Following completion of our review, the final increase for additional audit work has been determined as 0.28%. This is in addition to the 2.8% inflation, giving an overall average fee increase of 3.08%. If any additional audit work is required beyond what is covered by the scale fee, we will review the associated costs in line with our established fee variation process.
Consultation responses raise understandable concerns about fee increases given the financial pressures on opted-in bodies. We received 126 substantive responses (25% of consultees), of which 122 (97%) were from opted-in bodies and four (3%) from other stakeholders. Of those who expressed a view, 80% agree with the proposed fee scale and 20% do not.
We recognise the significant financial and wider pressures on opted-in bodies and understand that fee increases are an unwelcome additional budgetary pressure. We only propose uplifts where necessary to reflect recurring work or contractual obligations.
We welcome the feedback we received to our consultation and thank all those who took the time to respond. The PSAA Board has reflected carefully on the consultation outcome and takes very seriously the views expressed. It has confirmed the final 2025/26 fee scale as proposed in the consultation.