The short answer
You need a scaffolding licence from the local council whenever the scaffold will stand on, or over, a public pavement, verge or road. This comes from section 169 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires a licence for any structure that obstructs the highway. If the scaffold sits entirely within your own property boundary, no highway licence is needed. Fees vary by council but are typically around £90–£260 for the first period (often four weeks), with cheaper extension periods after. You normally need public liability insurance of at least £10 million, and putting up scaffold on the highway without a licence can mean a fine of up to £5,000. In practice the scaffolding contractor usually applies on your behalf.
The licence question turns on one thing: does the scaffold touch the public highway? On your own land you are clear; over the pavement or road you need the council's permission first. Here is how it works and what it costs.
The rules in brief
- Scaffold on the pavement/roadcouncil licence needed
- Scaffold within your boundaryno highway licence
- The lawsection 169, Highways Act 1980
- Typical fee (first period)~£90–£260
- Insuranceusually £10m public liability
When a licence is required
Under section 169 of the Highways Act 1980, you must have a licence to erect or maintain scaffolding that stands on or over a highway — which includes the pavement, verge and road. So a scaffold built on the footpath outside a terraced house needs a licence, while one standing entirely inside your own garden or drive does not. The licence is issued by the highway authority (usually the county or unitary council), and you can be fined up to £5,000 for putting scaffold on the highway without one. Most authorities also require public liability insurance of at least £10 million before they grant a licence.
What a licence costs
Scaffolding licence fees are set by each local authority, so they vary by area, but they are typically in the region of £90–£260 for the first period (often the first four weeks), with cheaper charges for each further period. A few published examples give a sense of the range below. Because the figures are set locally and reviewed each year, always confirm the current fee with your own council before the work starts.
| Council (example) | First period | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk | £260 (4 weeks) | £130 / 4 weeks |
| West Sussex | £256 (4 weeks) | £171 / 4 weeks |
| Dorset | £93 (28 days) | per renewal |
| West Berkshire | £125 | £71 / week |
Illustrative council fees — set locally and reviewed yearly; confirm your own authority's current charge. Sourced UK guidance: local council highways pages.
Want the licence handled for you?
We'll match you with a CISRS-accredited scaffolding contractor who confirms whether a highway licence is needed, applies on your behalf where required, and carries the public liability insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to put up scaffolding?
You need a council scaffolding licence whenever the scaffold stands on or over a public pavement, verge or road, under section 169 of the Highways Act 1980. If the scaffold sits entirely within your own property boundary, no highway licence is needed.
How much does a scaffolding licence cost?
Fees are set by each local council and vary, but are typically around £90–£260 for the first period (often four weeks), with cheaper charges for further periods. Confirm the current fee with your own authority.
Who applies for the scaffolding licence?
In practice the scaffolding contractor usually applies on your behalf and carries the required public liability insurance, building the fee into the quote. Putting up scaffold on the highway without a licence can mean a fine of up to £5,000.
Sources & further reading
- Hampshire County Council — apply for a scaffolding licence
- Suffolk County Council — apply for a scaffold licence
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific job. They are guidance, not a quotation.