Buying computer tablets is a poor excuse for a new hike in plumbing and electrical inspection fees by the MacLauchlan government, says P.E.I. Opposition Leader Jamie Fox.

The fees increase came into effect on Saturday.

The government said it was implementing measures, such as giving inspectors electronic access to records, that would decrease red tape. The increases, it said, would help cover some of the cost of tablets for inspectors and for the creation of a database.

Fox said one-time expenses like buying tablets and creating a database hardly seem to justify permanent increases to inspection fees.

"I think it's a joke. So we're blaming any fee increase on the buying of tablets? Increasing the fees is not reducing red tape," said Fox.

"I see it as a cash grab by the government. It begs the question, what are they going to do next?"

Fox wondered whether this will be the start of a trend of increases in licences, fees and permits in advance of the increase in the HST taking effect this October.

The province also said the increase brings the fee structure closer to regional averages.