Frequently Asked Questions - Renewal process and fees

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So did we waste our time commenting on the 2010 Fees Rules?

No. The 2011 Fees consultation document addressed a number of the points raised in responses on the draft 2010 Fees Rules. Others are covered in our rules consultation report. Any additional points will be considered with the responses to the consultation on the 2011 Fees Rules.

You consulted on 2010 Fees Rules earlier in the year, but then you consulted on 2011 fees. What happened to the earlier consultation?

The GPhC Council has decided not to proceed with the 2010 Fees Rules. Instead, we will bring the 2011 Fees Rules into force from the date when regulatory responsibility transfers to the GPhC. This is because the 2011 Fees Rules needed to be in place ahead of renewals of registration for 2011.

Will I be able to pay my fees by direct debit?

Those who wish to pay annually by direct debit will be able to do so, at no additional cost. We are giving give pharmacy professionals the option to pay their renewal fees by quarterly installments, for which the only payment option will be direct debit. Those who opt for this quarterly payment choice will be charged an extra £15 per year.

The additional £15 fee reflects our need to cover the increased technical and operational costs associated with collecting the fee four times a year. This is intended to ensure that fees are linked more specifically with costs rather than being allocated across all pharmacy professionals.

Failed Direct Debit payments will incur a £20 fee.

What’s the rationale behind this new fee structure?

We have aimed to set a fee structure that is

  • Reflective of the true cost of regulation
  • transparent
  • consistent in structure
  • Will help ensure the GPhC’s independence through financial stability
  • Fair and reasonable and in line with the other UK health professional regulators
  • CD inspection/monitoring costs must be covered – the GPhC will not receive DH funding for England/Scotland after 2010 and so needs to raise the premises fee accordingly so we can ensure consistent standards across GB
     
What are your 2011 fees?

The 2011 fees are:

  • Pharmacists: £100.00 first-time application fee, £262.00 for initial registration and for renewals of entry.
  • Pharmacy technicians: £100.00 first-time application fee, £142.00 for initial registration and for renewals of entry.
  • Pharmacy premises: £557.00 first time application/registration fee, £217.00 for renewal.
  • Retention fees for 2010 were set (and collected by) the RPSGB
  • A proportion of 2010 fee receipts for RPSGB regulatory activities were transferred to the GPhC when the transfer of regulatory responsibility took place.