Light Dues
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June 2026 to Question 4261, what changes have been made to the level of light dues since 4 July 2024; and what (a) proposals and (b) projections her Department has made for future changes to light dues.
Answered by Keir Mather
There was no change to the level of light dues in 2024 or 2025.
The Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, which came into force on 1 April 2026, increased the light dues rate from 45 pence to 46 pence per net registered tonne, and increased the maximum charge per voyage from £22,500 to £23,000. The Government has announced proposals to increase the light dues rate by a further penny to 47 pence per net registered tonne from 2027 to 2028.
The Department keeps the level of light dues under regular review, taking account of the financial position of the General Lighthouse Fund and the funding requirements of the General Lighthouse Authorities.
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