Social Work England will raise registration and renewal fees for social workers by 33%, moving ahead with the increase despite overwhelming opposition from practitioners.
The decision, approved by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, means annual registration and renewal fees will rise from £90 to £120 starting September 1, 2025, for renewals and December 1, 2025, for new registrants. Fees to rejoin the register will increase from £135 to £180, while overseas applicants will see their scrutiny charge rise from £495 to £670 — a 35% hike.
The regulator said the increases reflect inflation since 2015, the last time fees were reviewed. From 2026 to 2029, fees will continue to rise annually by 1.85% in line with inflation forecasts.
More than 8,000 people responded to the consultation, with 96% opposing the £30 rise and most objecting to further increases. Respondents, including the British Association of Social Workers, Social Workers Union and UNISON, cited the financial strain on practitioners already affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Social Work England said the increases are necessary to reduce reliance on government funding and ensure sustainable regulation. In 2024–25, registration fees accounted for 46% of the regulator’s income, compared to 52% from the Department for Education. Without the rise, that figure would have fallen to 38%.
Chief executive Colum Conway acknowledged the backlash but defended the decision. “We understand many people will not agree with the decision to increase our fees, but we feel this is necessary to help us continue to protect the public,” he said.
The regulator said additional revenue will support improvements to its fitness to practise process and help reduce backlogs.
