NMC fee increase officially approved

An increase in the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) annual registration fee has been officially approved by the regulator’s governing council.  

At a council meeting today (28 April), members voted to approve recommendations from the NMC to increase the fee for professionals from £120 to £143. 

The £1.92 per month increase is the first fee rise in 11 years and is expected to come into force in October 2026.  

The move comes despite feedback in the regulator’s 12-week consultation dubbing it ‘unreasonable’. 

The NMC has said previously that it was in an ‘unsustainable financial position’ but has ‘kept the fee rise at the lowest level it can, recognising the ongoing pressures on registrants’ finances’. 

Council chair Ron Barclay-Smith said today: ’The council has considered at length the impact that these proposed increases will have on those whom it regulates. Today’s full and robust debate recognised the financial pressures facing many nursing and midwifery professionals.

‘At the same time, council was clear in its view that the professions and the public need, and deserve, a high-performing regulator. After 11 years of flat fees, it’s now time to ensure a sustainable financial future for the organisation.

‘We’ve not taken this decision lightly. Registrants who responded to our consultation were clear that the cost-of-living remains a real issue, more than a decade on since we froze the registration fees to try and ease those financial pressures.

‘While the freeze was well intentioned, this has had a profound impact on our finances, which many registrants also told us that they understand.

‘Having a strong, independent regulator, one that can act quickly, fairly and effectively to protect the public and support confidence in the professions, matters.

‘That is what this decision is ultimately about. The council’s commitment is that it will hold the executive to account for delivering better value to registrants – with a higher standard of regulation which better supports professionals on the register to uphold high standards and protect the public.’

Chief executive Paul Rees added: ‘We’re building a new NMC, the strong and independent regulator that everyone wants to see.

‘But we can only achieve this for the professions and the public from a sustainable financial position. We recognise the responsibility that comes with this decision and will be accountable for demonstrating the impact of every pound we spend.

‘We are fully committed to spending every registrant’s fee wisely to protect the public and inspire confidence in the nursing and midwifery professions.

‘Every year, nursing and midwifery professionals care for millions of people across the UK. Behind that care must sit a regulator that is strong, fair and trusted. This change ensures we can continue to play that role, not just today, but for the future.’

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