Social Work England has proposed increasing its registration fees by 33% starting September 1, 2025, in a move aimed at shifting more of the regulator’s funding away from taxpayers. The proposed fee hike would raise the cost of joining the register and annual renewal from £90 to £120, while the restoration fee for former registrants would rise from £135 to £180. Additionally, overseas practitioners would see their scrutiny application fees increase from £495 to £670, a 35% jump.
The proposal, which was launched in a public consultation, has drawn criticism from UNISON and the Social Workers Union (SWU), who argue that the increase will place additional financial strain on practitioners already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Why is Social Work England Raising Fees?
Social Work England has justified the increase by pointing to rising costs and inflation, as well as a growing reliance on government funding. In 2020-21, social worker fees accounted for 48% of the regulator’s income, while government contributions covered the remaining 52%. By 2023-24, government funding had risen to 57%, highlighting what Social Work England sees as an unsustainable imbalance.
The proposed increase would also introduce annual fee rises of 1.85% through 2028-29, aligning with inflation. By then, annual registration fees would reach £127, the restoration fee would rise to £190, and the scrutiny fee for overseas applicants would jump to £708.
Unions Condemn ‘Unfair’ Fee Hike
The proposal has sparked backlash from UNISON, which represents a large number of social workers.
Gill Archer, UNISON’s national social work officer, criticized the increase, stating, “Social Work England has failed to justify such a large rise. Social workers are already struggling to keep up with rising food and energy costs, and this fee hike risks pushing some out of the profession entirely.”
The Social Workers Union (SWU) echoed these concerns, with General Secretary John McGowan arguing that the 33% increase is disproportionately high compared to other professional regulators. “We all understand that organizations need to increase fees, but this level of increase is excessive, especially at a time when living costs are rising,” he said.
Calls for Service Improvements
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) emphasized that if fees are rising, practitioners should expect service improvements in return.
BASW Chief Executive Ruth Allen stated, “Many social workers already face financial hardship, and a sharp fee increase adds to this burden. Given that Social Work England is a government body, social workers will question how costs should be shared between the government and individual registrants.”
She also stressed the need for better efficiency in the fitness-to-practice process, which has been a longstanding concern among professionals.
How Social Work England’s Fees Compare to Other Regulators
If the increase is implemented, Social Work England’s £120 annual renewal fee would match the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), whose current rate of £116.36 is set to rise to £123.34 this year.
However, England’s social workers would be paying far more than their counterparts in other UK nations, where fees remain significantly lower:
• Scotland (SSSC): £80 (rising to £88 in 2025-26, reaching £120 by 2029-30)
• Wales (Social Care Wales): £80
• Northern Ireland (NISCC): £65
Unlike the NMC and HCPC, which operate solely on fee revenue, Social Work England receives partial government funding, similar to social work regulators in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Tax Relief and Employer Support for Social Workers
While the increase is steep, some social workers may receive financial relief:
• Employer Coverage: Some local authorities cover registration fees for their social workers.
• Tax Relief: Practitioners who pay the fee themselves can claim tax relief at their marginal tax rate (20% or 40%). A basic rate (20%) taxpayer can claim back £24 on the new £120 fee, and tax relief can be backdated up to four years.
The consultation period for the proposed fee increases is now open, with social workers and industry bodies encouraged to share their views before a final decision is made.
