Because I look after children on link schemes for the local authority it is a requirement that we have to have Crbs that are renewed every three years. I need to update next month. Last time the network that I belonged to submitted the applications for us but they now no longer exist as LA closed them down. I've looked on the gov website and it looks like that I cannot apply for it directly and it has to be an employer so not sure where to go.

Yes, your employer will now have to apply for them at a cost of nearly £50 for you.

As a childminder, I have a CRB check for my 21 year old which was done when he was 16. He's now started a part-time job working with children while he's also at uni. His part-time job have asked for this DBS and he's had to pay the charge.

My understanding is that it has to go through Ofsted - but they won't update them - so my best advice is to go back to whoever wants you to have one done and smile sweetly :D