Registration forces agencies to close

Small nanny agencies across Scotland are being forced out of the market because of the 'high fees and added bureaucracy' associated with the Care Commission's registration process. Since 1 April 2003 the supply or introduction of childcarers through a childcare agency has been subject to regulation under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. The fee for an application to register a small agency employing three or fewer people is £1,059. In addition, childcare agencies must pay an annual continuation fee of £642.