GPhC launches consultation on fees

The GPhC is seeking views from pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and owners of pharmacy premises about proposals for a 6% increase in the annual registration fees they pay from September 2025, and then a further 6% increase on these fees from September 2026. 

The pharmacy regulator’s consultation explains that the GPhC is making cost savings where possible, but fee increases are still needed to cover rising operational costs, and to make sure that the GPhC can continue to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities effectively.

The proposals would mean that from September 2025:

• Pharmacist renewal fees would increase by £17 to £293
• Pharmacy technician renewal fees would increase by £8 to £138
• Pharmacy premises renewal fees would increase by £24 to £416

From September 2026:

• Pharmacist renewal fees would increase by £17 to £310
• Pharmacy technician renewal fees would increase by £8 to £146
• Pharmacy premises renewal fees would increase by £25 to £441

The consultation document explains that, like many organisations, the GPhC is experiencing a significant increase in its operational costs driven by higher rates of inflation and increases to utility bills, National Insurance contributions and supplier costs. We understand that many of those who pay our fees are subject to the same sorts of costs pressures. The GPhC is also continuing to see a significant increase in the number of Fitness to Practise concerns raised; the number of concerns has doubled in the last two years, which has increased workload and costs.

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, said:

“We understand that these proposed fee increases come at a time when many people within pharmacy are experiencing increased financial pressures. But we believe that the fee increases we are proposing are necessary so that we can fulfil our statutory duties and provide assurance to the public.

“We are currently in deficit and our financial projections show that this will remain and increase over the next five years. This is not sustainable, and alongside measures we are taking to reduce expenditure and lower our reserves; it leaves us with no alternative but to raise our fees.

“The consultation document highlights that significant changes are taking place in pharmacy, including the expansion of clinical services and the growing use of technology including online services. We need to make sure we are in a financially stable and sustainable position, so we can continue to develop and modernise our approach, to ensure we maintain effective and safe regulation.

“We are doing everything we can to keep these proposed fee increases as low as possible. We have already made significant savings, including to our accommodation costs, and we are committed to making further savings.

“We want to hear everyone’s views on our proposals to increase fees; this feedback will help to inform the decisions that our Council makes on fees for the next two years”.

The consultation is open from 30 January to 24 April 2025.

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