The National Archives, an important institution responsible for preserving and providing access to the historical records of the United Kingdom, has recently announced changes in their fees for some of their services. These changes will come into effect from 2nd February 2026 and are the first increase in fees since 2019. The decision to increase fees has been made in order to bring charges in line with current delivery costs and ensure the sustainability of the institution in the long term.
The National Archives is dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s history and heritage, and it is important that they are able to continue their important work. With the increasing costs of maintaining and preserving delicate historical documents, it has become necessary to revise the fees for some of their services. This will ensure that the institution is able to maintain its high standards and continue providing valuable services to the public.
One of the changes that will be implemented is an increase in fees for document copies. This is a service that is frequently used by researchers, historians, and members of the public who are interested in accessing specific documents from the archives. The new fees will reflect the actual costs of producing these copies, and although there will be an increase, it is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the institution.
Another change that will be introduced is an increase in fees for research and search services. These services are often used by individuals who are looking for specific information or records that are not readily available. The increase in fees will reflect the time and effort put into conducting these searches and will ensure that the National Archives is able to continue providing this valuable service.
In addition to the above changes, the National Archives will also be introducing a new fee for accessing recently transferred historic Ministry records. This is a new service that has been introduced in response to the growing demand for accessing these records. The new fee will cover the cost of transferring and processing these records, ensuring that they are easily accessible to the public.
It is important to note that these changes will not affect the fees for accessing records online. The National Archives remains committed to providing online access to their records free of charge, as it is an essential part of their mission to make the nation’s history accessible to all.
We understand that any increase in fees can be a cause for concern, but we assure you that these changes have been carefully considered and are necessary for the sustainability of the National Archives. As a non-profit organization, the fees collected are reinvested into the institution, allowing us to continue our important work of preserving and providing access to the nation’s history.
We would like to emphasize that the National Archives remains committed to providing quality services to the public, and these changes will not compromise the high standards that we have set for ourselves. We are constantly striving to improve our services, and these changes will enable us to do so.
We would like to thank the public for their continued support and understanding. As we move forward with these changes, we are confident that the National Archives will be able to continue its important work of preserving and sharing the nation’s history for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming you to the National Archives and providing you with our valuable services.
