12.—(1) A local authority may charge—
(a)the operator a fee for performing the local authority’s functions in relation to the off-site emergency plan under regulations 9 and 10; and
(b)the carrier a fee for performing the local authority’s functions in relation to the carrier’s emergency plan under regulation 10(1)(b).
(2) The fee charged under paragraph (1) shall not exceed the sum of costs reasonably incurred by the local authority in performing the functions referred to in that paragraph, including (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision of this paragraph) any costs reasonably incurred by the local authority in arranging for the emergency services to participate in the testing of the off-site emergency plan or the carrier’s plan, as the case may be.
(3) When requiring payment the local authority shall send or give to the operator or carrier, as the case may be, a detailed statement of the work done and the costs incurred including the dates of any site visits and the period to which the statement relates and the fee, which shall be recoverable only as a civil debt, shall become payable one month after the statement has been sent or given.