I know that there has been widespread concern from HCPC-registered professionals and trade unions regarding HCPC’s decision to increase registration fees from £90 to £106. This is the third rise in five years and it represents a 40% increase since 2014.

As you may know, in 2015 the Coalition Government introduced regulations to require the HCPC, and other professional regulators, to pay the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) to oversee its work. The Government’s rationale was that the PSA would become a self-funded organisation. As a result, the HCPC increased its fee from £76 in 2014 to £90 in 2015.

The HCPC conducts important work as a health and care regulator by maintaining a register of practitioners and setting standards of professional conduct, performance and professional development. It has defended its decision to raise registration renewal fees as necessary to “safeguard the HCPC’s financial sustainability”.

Health and care professionals work long hours, often in extremely difficult circumstances. The HCPC’s decision to raise fees comes at a time when public sector workers have faced nearly a decade of pay freezes and pay cuts. This decision will affect a wide range of staff and I hope that the Government will listen and respond to the concerns being raised by health and care professionals.

I assure you I will follow this issue closely and bear in mind the points you have raised.