The key points of the PDA’s response were;
- A general concern around a lack of transparency, including the GPhC not explaining in detail where it has made savings as promised in the 2023 consultation.
- The significant increase in GPhC income in the past ten years.
- Questions over the cost of regulating premises, in light of the increase in cases relating to online pharmacies and the reduction in the number of brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
- The GPhC cost allocation model, including concerns around why it is not recovering the full cost of accreditation from schools of pharmacy.
- The continuing and significant dissatisfaction observed in the member survey responses around the GPhC premises being in Canary Wharf and the ongoing cost of retaining this location.
- The GPhC not publishing its Equality Impact Assessment alongside the consultation.
The PDA is especially disappointed that the GPhC has not taken into account the findings of its Equality Impact Assessment, which was published after the consultation.
In particular, the GPhC stated, “If Council decides to adopt these proposals, we will continue to monitor the effects on equality once the fee increases are set and implemented. We recognise that our proposed fee increases may be greater on some individuals more generally or on groups who share protected characteristics including those mentioned in the impact assessment…”
It is not clear what monitoring the GPhC has undertaken and how it impacted the decision made on 26 March to further increase fees.
Pharmacists have not received pay increases of 6% and will be disappointed that the GPhC has chosen to increase its fees.
This is the second consecutive above-inflation rise in the fees, and the PDA notes with disappointment that the GPhC has pencilled in a further fees increase consultation for December 2026. The PDA urges the GPhC to ensure that it not only contains its spending but also takes active measures to reduce its total spending.
Learn more
- GPhC Fee review decision
- GPhC Council meeting – March 2026
- PDA responds to GPhC’s 6% fees increase for registrants
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