Society will listen to members views on fee increase proposals, says Jeremy Holmes
No decisions on retention
fee increases will be made until after the close of the consultation, Jeremy
Holmes, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, confirmed during the October
Council meeting on 2 October 2007.
Mr Holmes was providing the Council with an update on the retention fees
consultation, which was scheduled to close as The Journal went
to press on 3 October.
He said that all the responses, including the online petition, would
be analysed by independent consultant Anthony Harrison. The analysis
would be assessed by Society staff and Council members, and options considered
for decision at the end of October. The Council would take into account
financial advice as well as listening to views expressed in the consultation
when the final fees for 2008 are agreed.
The findings and subsequent Council decisions are expected to be announced
by 1 November 2007.
These will be published on the Society’s website and in The
Pharmaceutical Journal, reporting in detail what, if any, changes to the fees rules
will result, and the date the changes and new rules will come into effect.
Following these announcements, fees notices will be issued to all registrants
at the beginning of November before 2008 fees are due on 1 January 2008.
(If the Council fails to set the 2008 fee by 1 November, then the 2007
fee levels will apply for 2008.)
Mr Holmes, said: “I would like to thank all those who have contributed
to the consultation over the past 60 days. This process represents the
most effective way for the Society to listen to members’ views
on the proposed 2008 fees. We are fully committed to delivering benefits
to our members as well as providing robust, fair and transparent regulation.
“To
continue to do this we are prepared to make difficult decisions based
on the current financial situation resulting from external factors out
of the Society’s control, and to plan ahead with prudence for the
changes to come. I ask that our members continue to be patient until
the independent analysis is complete and the Council has made its decision,
which I am confident will represent a fair and responsible outcome.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal