The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to registration fees for osteopaths, as it seeks to ensure its long-term financial sustainability and the ability to continue protecting patients.
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The cost of regulation has continued to rise and between 2023 and 2026, the GOsC spent more than its income by around £540,000. Forecasts show that, without action, this gap in finances will continue.
The GOsC is therefore seeking views from osteopaths, patients, students and other partners on levels of increase to registration fees and whether or not fee increases should be applied equally to everyone.
The aim of the fee increase is to ensure the we remain able to carry out our statutory duties. Regulation allows us to focus on areas that matter both to patients and practitioners. This includes supporting safe practice; improving understanding of professional boundaries; strengthening patient involvement; embedding equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging; supporting newly registered osteopaths and ensuring that regulation remains relevant in a changing healthcare environment.
Jo Clift, Chair of GOsC Council, said:
‘Council has carefully considered the financial position of the organisation and the steps needed to ensure we can continue delivering effective regulation in the public interest. We recognise that this is an important and potentially sensitive issue for the profession. That is why we are committed to being open and transparent about the reasons for consulting and to ensuring there is a genuine opportunity for the profession to have its say before any decisions are made.’
Registration fees have never before been increased and in fact were reduced between 2012 and 2014. Since then our costs have continued to increase.
Following the consultation, Council members will consider all responses at the November 2026 Council meeting. The decision to increase fees will need a change to legislation and so will require approval from Government.
We encourage all osteopaths, patients, students and partners to take part and share their views, as part of the consultation which is open from 6 August until 29 October. We will be running three Q+A webinars, a student forum discussion, and a patient focus group, so you’re welcome to contact info@ostepathy.org.uk to find out how to get involved with those.
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