HPC launches consultation on fees increase
The consultation, with stakeholders including professional bodies, employers and higher education institutions, sets out why the HPC is proposing an increase and how it will spend the money.
The HPC says the increase will enable it to manage the growing number of fitness to practise allegations, which have more than doubled since its inception.
It will also help maintain the HPC register, develop levels of engagement with registrants and the public, and maintain the high standards of approvals visits carried out by the education department.
HPC President Anna van der Gaag said, "It is vital that the HPC has an appropriate and realistic level of income to enable us to operate effectively, give registrants an efficient service and to protect the public.
"We are looking forward to listening to registrant and stakeholder views on our proposals.
"Anyone who wishes to take part in the consultation and have their views heard can write to us with their comments by post or email. We look forward to hearing a variety of views and ideas over the coming months."
In the consultation, the HPC have put forward two options for renewal fees and for fees charged to applicants who have successfully completed an approved course and are applying to be registered for the first time.
It also proposes that the scrutiny fees charged for processing applications via the international, EEA and grandparenting routes should increase.
The HPC propose to introduce higher fees for people who are applying to come back on to the HPC Register.
The consultation will run until 6 February 2007. If adopted, the changes to fees will be effective from June 2007. Existing registrants would pay the new renewal fee when their profession next renews its registration.
Write to: Fees Consultation, Health Professions Council, Park House, 184 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BU. Email: consultation@hpc-uk.org