Letter to Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council on Government commitments to nursing career progression

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  Ron Barclay-Smith

  Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council

  23 Portland Place

  London

  W1B 1PZ

  Adrian Ramsay MP

  House of Commons

  London

  SW1A 0AA

  09.02.26

  Dear Mr Barclay-Smith,

  I am writing to you regarding the proposed increase in registration fees for registrants with the

  Nursing and Midwifery Council. I am concerned about the potential impact of these changes

  on nurses, midwives and nursing associates across the country.

  The proposed 19% increase in the main registration fee comes at a time of acute cost of living

  pressures, alongside sustained real terms pay erosion.

  I appreciate that professional regulators are reliant on their funding from registrants, but I am

  concerned that this increase is disproportionate to the current rate of inflation and could

  negatively affect recruitment, retention and workforce morale.

  At a time when the NHS continues to struggle with staff shortages in many areas, we should

  be doing all we can to ensure nurses, midwives and nursing associates remain in their roles

  and encourage new people to join these professions.

  This proposed increase is also likely to serve as a particular disincentive to the many part-time

  workers in the health service or those considering reducing their hours before or after

  retirement who must pay the full fee despite not receiving a full-time salary.

  I recently heard from UNISON who highlighted concerns about the impact of the proposed

  increase on registrants. UNISON represents over 1.3 million members across public services,

  and a substantial proportion of their membership is made up of those professions regulated

  by the NMC. A recent survey carried out by the union found that there is widespread opposition

  to the fee increase, with only 10% of respondents considering it affordable.

  I am aware of the NMC’s ongoing work to improve fitness to practice, promote equality,

  diversity and inclusion and foster a positive organisational culture. However, forcing already

  stretched nurses, midwives and nursing associates to pay significantly higher fees is not the

  solution to address these challenges and could further damage trust in their regulator.

  I therefore urge the NMC to reconsider your current proposals to increase registration fees

  and to look at other options to increase your funding such as further targeted work to increase

  the number of decisions made at the screening stage and reduce unnecessary referrals from

  employers and members of the public.

  I look forward to your considered response.

  Adrian Ramsay MP

  Waveney Valley