RCVS annual renewal process to include fee increase

With the annual renewal period for veterinary surgeons set to start this spring, the RCVS will shortly be sending out fee notices to all registered veterinary surgeons.

Due to inflationary pressures and increased business costs, RCVS Council has recommended a 6% fee increase this year, which is subject to official government approval.

Dr Tshidi Gardiner MRCVS, RCVS Treasurer, said: “We recognise that these are difficult economic times, so Council has endeavoured to limit the fee increase as far as possible; however, in proposing these new fees, Council has had to take account both of increased costs due to inflation, and of additional costs related to ensuring we are fulfilling our regulatory remit to the best of our abilities and meeting our strategic priorities.

“For example, increased costs related to the additional number of veterinary degrees coming on stream, modernising our membership database, our Charter Case Committee, the trial of our private prosecutions protocol against non-vets breaching the Veterinary Surgeons Act, and much more besides.”

Vets need to pay their annual renewal this year by 1 April and will be sent their fee notices when the new fees have been confirmed by the Privy Council. A late payment charge of £35 would be due for anyone who hadn’t paid their fee by 1 May, with non-payment by 1 June risking removal from the Register and ineligibility to practise.

As part of the annual renewal process, all individual vets will also need to log into their online MyAccount to confirm their registration and contact details, declare any convictions and declare they are compliant with the College’s requirements for continuing professional development (CPD).

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period will begin in the autumn, and their fees will also be subject to the same percentage increase as that for vets.

The College recognises that the current financial environment is difficult for some, and anyone who expects to encounter any difficulties in paying their fees should contact the RCVS Finance Team on finance@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0722.