The GMC said it will cut fees for doctors at the start of their careers and lower the costs for doctors applying for entry on the GP register.
It will also raise the income threshold at which doctors can apply for a 50% discount to their retention fees.
Under the plans, the GMC said newly qualified doctors will save more than £255 through a reduction in the cost of provisional-registration and the cost of first year registration.
The GMC said the changes, which will be introduced on 1 April 2011, will help around 14,000 doctors and collectively save around £1.8m.
It has also lowered the costs for doctors applying for entry to the GP register and the specialist register by £305, with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the GMC has also raised the income threshold at which doctors can apply for a 50% reduction in their annual retention fees from £22,190 to £26,000. The changes will come into effect from 1 April 2011.
It said the measures have been introduced in recognition of the difficult financial situation many doctors face.
GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said: These are difficult times for doctors, especially for those who have recently qualified and have large student debts. It is incumbent upon us to ensure we provide value for money and, as far as we can, control our costs.
‘Looking forward, we will do whatever we can to keep fees to a minimum while continuing to help improve standards and protect patients.’
Changes to GMC fees
- Cost of provisional registration reduced from £145 to £100 a year.
- First year of full registration halved to £210
- Income threshold for discount in annual retention fees raised to £26,000
- Costs of application to GP or Specialist register reduced by £305.
