The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has increased entry and renewal fees for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacies despite strong opposition to the rises.

A public consultation, which drew responses from over 5,000 people, found that 70% of respondents opposed the increase in the pharmacist entry and renewal fee from £250 to £257.

Another 66% opposed the increase in the pharmacy technician entry and renewal fee from £118 to £121 while 51% disagreed with the rise in the registered pharmacy entry and renewal fee from £241 to £262.

The consultation’s results also revealed that 41% disagreed with the idea that the GPhC’s proposals “were in line with our fees policy.” The fee increases were the first since 2015.

“We are grateful to everyone who has responded to the consultation. Our Council carefully considered the consultation responses including the concerns raised, and the overall economic context,” said GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin (pictured).

“Following that consideration, it was decided it was necessary to increase fees, for the first time since 2015.

“Our role is to protect the public and give them assurance that they will receive safe and effective care when using pharmacy services, and we have to make sure we have the resources necessary to carry out our regulatory functions effectively on their behalf.”