CHARGES

For most non-commercial users of the Records Centre services are provided free of charge. Charges are made to ecological consultants and other commercial bodies for the time taken to collate, process and analyse data rather than for the information itself.

The minimum charge is £100, this covers the first hour's work (which is sufficient for the majority of searches). If the work takes longer than 1 hour additional time is charged at £50 per hour. Many simple enquiries about particular sites such as 'are there any protected species recorded there?' or 'what designated sites are there within 2 km of this site?' can be answered very quickly and where possible are dealt with by e-mail. Where maps are required they can be supplied in a variety of electronic formats and as printed hard copy in colour or black & white. Charges may be waived if no data is available within the search area.

Formal enquiries, and in particular paid enquiries, must be made in writing (including fax or e-mail), and, where appropriate, will be given a verbal or written quote prior to the work being done. Quotes will be given for individual requests and if the work needs more time than estimated then clients are informed before further charges are incurred

For larger jobs the rate is £250 per day or £1000 per week.

Payments will be requested by invoice from SCC.

Enquiries are dealt with on a 'first come - first served' basis and are usually answered within 5-10 working days.