The Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2022, which was passed on 18 July 2022, seeks to amongst others, address the lapses in compliance with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2018 (Act 983) and the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.2378). According to a report submitted to the Parliamentary Finance Committee on the Bill, these lapses include the failure of government agencies and institutions responsible for the collection of non-tax revenues to lodge the revenues collected into their operational accounts from which disbursements were made, and make requisite proposals for adjustments.

The Bill reviews existing fees and charges levied by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), imposes new fees, and provides for their annual adjustment in line with prevailing economic conditions. To streamline the review process, the proposed law establishes a single schedule for all fees and charges imposed for the delivery of goods and services rendered by MDAs to the public.

The promulgation of the Fees and Charges Bill also forms part of the revenue generation measures outlined by the government in the Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2022 financial year. Specifically, the proposed adjustment of some of the fees and charges is expected to contribute significantly to meeting the revenue targets in key areas.

In sum, this new Bill aims to ensure a regular review of the fees and charges levied by the MDAs and bridge the growing gap between the cost-of-service delivery and approved fees. It will also simplify the review process for fees and charges.

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