Recommendation 22

We asked Ofcom whether it has been able to give industry any indication about the likely scale of fees. Ofcom was unable to comment but did highlight that it will run a consultation during which industry can provide input and that ultimately the Government 39 Q 58; C&AG’s Report, para 2.6 40 Q 66 41 C&AG’s Report, para 2.7 42 Q 59 43 Q 59; C&AG’s Report, para 2.6 44 Q 61 45 Q 63; C&AG’s Report, paras 2.6, 2.7 46 Q 62 47 C&AG’s Report, para 2.9 48 Qq 80–82 14 Preparedness for online safety regulation will have a role in deciding on some of the trade-offs involved in setting up the fee regime.49 Ofcom recognised the challenge that more time may be spent regulating smaller and risky companies, which is paid for by larger and more compliant companies. It stated that it will aim to be proportionate, fair and administratively effective with how it sets the fees across the industry.50 Ofcom also told us that it will be completely transparent with industry at the start of each financial year about the fees it will be charging.51 Capacity and skill requirements