Have you had your say about our proposed changes to pharmacy premises fees?

2 March 2020

We are proposing to increase registration renewal fees for pharmacy premises from £262 to £365. Tell us what you think by responding to our consultation by 31 March 2020

We are seeking views on whether the fees paid by pharmacy owners should cover the full costs of regulating pharmacy premises. The proposed increase in pharmacy premises renewal fees would close the existing gap of £103 between the fees paid by pharmacies and the actual costs of regulating each pharmacy, based on 2018/19 figures.

The consultation is part of the first phase of a wider review of the GPhC’s longer-term fees strategy, which will also consider areas such as longer fixed-term fees and flexible fee options (for those on parental leave, for example).

We are not proposing any increases to fees for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians this year.

“We recognise the financial pressures that pharmacy owners are under and any uplift in fees is only proposed when necessary”, explains Duncan Rudkin, GPhC chief executive. 

“Since 2013, we have introduced significant changes in how we regulate and inspect pharmacies, improving the effectiveness of our regulatory approach and bringing benefits to patients, the public and pharmacies. We are proposing this change now because we need a robust and sustainable financial framework with fees that reflect the true cost of regulation.”

The consultation on fees for pharmacy premises is open until 31 March 2020.