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A formal request is where someone cites the code in a request, if a request is refused or if charges are levied. That figure of 28 formal requests is set against approximately 200,000 items of correspondence, which the Executive and its related bodies receive in any given year.
That brings me to my final point, which relates to the political levy. I understand why the political levy was put in place and agree with the reasons for doing that, as it provided necessary support for the labour movement at the time.
The bill does not require a fee to be charged; a public authority may decide not to levy a fee or to request a lower fee than that to which it is entitled.
We will pass the petition on to those with whom it belongs—those who are responsible for the levy. We will add a question about the current scheme for exemptions.
The Executive's cover note on the secondary consultation on the draft regulations states:"It is thought appropriate to levy a small application fee, payable by the debtor, which could make a contribution towards the administrative costs of the Scheme."