Update on Our County Membership Fee for 2026

You may already be aware that the UK Scouts HQ fee will increase slightly next year, rising from £42.50 to £43.50 (after the 50p discount for timely payment).

Alongside this, the County Trustee Board has agreed a modest but necessary increase in our county membership fee. From the January 2026 census, the county fee per youth member will rise by 50p to £10.50.

Why the increase is needed

The cost of operating the county — and supporting our districts, groups, units, and volunteers — continues to increase in several key areas:

• Our website – South London Scouts has a comprehensive website that is the go-to place for almost all volunteer information. Maintaining a resource of this quality requires significant investment.
• OSM Gold Plus – We provide OSM Gold Plus for all sections that want it. Take-up continues to grow as leaders see the value in reducing administration. This year it will cost the County around £18,000 - and with further growth expected, it could add another 35p per head next year.
• Growth and development – Expanding Scouting across South London requires investment in growth initiatives, organisational development, and support for newer or smaller groups.
• Volunteer training and programme support – To deliver excellent Scouting, we must continue funding training, safeguarding, development opportunities, and programme resources.

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Looking ahead

We are committed to providing first-class services and support to our volunteers, enabling you to deliver outstanding Scouting experiences to young people. To do this sustainably, we must ensure our funding is adequate, predictable, and able to meet future demands.

As this is our first full financial year operating as a combined county, some estimates remain uncertain until year-end. While we have worked hard to keep the county fee as low as possible, we must also avoid running a deficit or eroding our ability to invest in new initiatives, equipment, or support. This small increase gives us more certainty for next year and strengthens our ability to plan sustainably.

Thank you

We remain incredibly grateful for the tireless commitment and leadership of our volunteers. Everything you do makes a difference to the lives of young people across South London, and together we continue to make Scouting thrive.

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