The governing council of the GPhC has agreed to increase the registered pharmacy entry and annual renewal fees from £262 to £365. The increase takes effect from April 2021.
Commenting on this decision, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA, said: “The CCA is greatly concerned by the GPhC announcement that fees for pharmacy premises will be significantly increased from April 2021.
“The 40% increase in fees for pharmacy premises could not come at a worse time for the sector. Community pharmacy is facing immediate financial difficulties after the significant extra costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the pre-existing pressures brought about by six years of real term cuts to funding.
“On the back of increases to GPhC fees over the past few years, we believe that this additional financial burden could have a significant impact on the viability of the community pharmacy sector as well as potentially stifling innovative pharmacy practice and adversely affecting patient safety.”