How are c2c's fees calculated?
The fee is normally
related to the cost of the time and resources expended on the project. Time spent (including travelling time) is chargeable
at an hourly rate.
Expenses which are incurred directly as a result of a project and which are properly recoverable
from the client are charged separately from the fee element in the form of an itemised invoice. Such expenses may include
travel, accommodation and subsistence, the purchase of maps, plans and other documentation. VAT is also chargeable.
It
is also open to us to agree an additional fee if the work is required urgently or requires significant work outside of
normal working hours.
A retainer payment is normally
required on commencement of the work. This is normally offset against the final invoice or returned to you on settlement
of the final account.
How are time costs calculated?
Our time is noted every 6 minutes and therefore you only pay for each 6 minute unit of time that we spend
on your project. Each 6 minute unit is therefore calculated at our hourly rate.
Time may be spent on the following activities:
- research;
- meetings with the client, with any other consultants or advisers associated with the
work or with relevant external organisations;
- site visits;
- travelling in connection with the work;
- preparation,
writing, editing and processing reports;
- community involvement and consultation procedures;
- attendance of
planning committees, appeal site visits, appeal hearings;
- correspondence received and written;
- telephone
calls made and received;
Do you provide estimates?
Yes. We can provide a written estimate of the time likely to be taken and therefore the costs incurred.
If the estimate is acceptable, we ask you to give your agreement in writing also. You need to be aware that projects
evolve and our instructions may then change and this may not be reflected in the estimate.
What
are the arrangements for the payment of your fees?
We normally request
interim payments at the completion of the main stages of the work or on a monthly basis.
How to appoint
c2c as your planning consultant?
We strongly advise that in every case, irrespective of the client and the
size or nature of the project, we believe it is important from the outset to establish:
- a clearly defined brief
and scope of service; and
- agreement about terms and conditions of engagement and the timing and method of payment.
These will be defined in a written contract (our Terms of Business).
