United Kingdom · guide · 7 September 2026
What CCS scores mean on a CAR form
When the Environment Agency records a permit breach on a CAR, it usually assigns a risk category and a score under the Compliance Classification Scheme (CCS). This note restates the published categories so you can read the form. Source: EA assessing and scoring guidance (OGL v3.0).
The four risk categories (waste operations and installations)
- Category 1 — 60 points — associated with a major impact on human health, quality of life or the environment.
- Category 2 — 31 points — significant impact.
- Category 3 — 4 points — minor impact.
- Category 4 — 0.1 points — no impact on human health, quality of life or the environment.
For most conditions the score reflects the reasonably foreseeable impact if the issue is not addressed. Amenity conditions (odour, dust, noise, pests) are scored on actual impact.
Consolidation (one score per condition)
Several findings under one permit condition are usually consolidated into one category and score for that condition (ELVs are treated differently). The form may still list every finding; the scored category is typically the most severe under that condition.
Compliance bands (year end)
Scores accumulate over the calendar year. Published bands for waste/installations subsistence:
- A = 0 points
- B = 0.1 to 10
- C = 10.1 to 30
- D = 30.1 to 60
- E = 60.1 to 149.9
- F = more than 150
Bands affect subsistence charges. See our fees guide for how compliance bands affect EA charges. This guide does not calculate your charge or advise how to improve a band.
What CARBrief does with scores
We list non-compliances with the severity as printed on the CAR, linked to the condition cited. We do not re-score the EA’s assessment or invent categories.