Fees consultation launched by the HPC

Each of the 13 professions the HPC regulates renews its registration in two-yearly cycles. During the last fees consultation, the HPC asked registrants whether it should review its fees every two years. The majority of respondents agreed that they would prefer this method so that any increases were incremental and more manageable.

Having reviewed its fees, the HPC is inviting anyone with an interest in this issue to respond. The consultation clearly sets out why the HPC is proposing an increase and, most importantly, how the money will be spent.

The proposed increases are moderate: for example, the renewal fee is currently £72 and will increase to £76. This increase will allow the HPC to manage the increase in fitness to practise cases and the costs associated with this aspect of the regulator’s work. This represents the largest cost for the HPC and accounted for 27% of its budget in 2006/07.

It will also help the HPC to maintain and improve other important functions. Registration costs, for example, include those associated with handling and processing applications for all forms of registration, reviewing and updating standards, and visiting education providers to approve and monitor education programmes to ensure that they meet the HPC’s standards.

www.hpc-uk.org