The GOsC to introduce further reductions in registration fees

For immediate use

The General Osteopathic Council has confirmed plans to implement a further reduction in the registration fee for all osteopaths.

The proposed reduction is the result of an ongoing cost savings review and follows a consultation earlier in the year.

Following changes agreed by the GOsC Council on 13 December, from May next year the highest rate of registration fee will be £610, a reduction of £140 or 19% in two years. All other fee levels will also reduce in 2013.

Chief Executive and Registrar, Tim Walker, said,

"I’m very pleased that we have been able to reduce further the registration fee paid to the GOsC by osteopaths.

"As a statutory body we need to ensure that we have sufficient funds in reserve to cover major projects and initiatives, such as a possible revalidation scheme, but we remain absolutely committed to reducing the cost of regulation for registrants."

The fee reduction, which is subject to Privy Council, will be implemented from 1 May 2013, which allows for changes to be made to existing rules governing registration fees.

ENDS

For further information, contact:
The GOsC Press Office
Tel: 020 7357 6655 ext 245
Email: pressoffice@osteopathy.org.uk 

Notes to editors:

1. As a result of these changes from 1 My 2013 the registration fee levels will become:

• Year 1 practising £375 to £340
• Year 2 practising £500 to £455
• Year 2 reduced rate £250 to £230
• Year 3+ practising £675 to £610
• Year 3+ reduced rate £375 to £340

2. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has a statutory duty to regulate the practice of osteopathy in the UK. Osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK.

3. Visit our website at: www.osteopathy.org.uk for more details.