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Retention fees for Northern Ireland pharmacists will “unfortunately” remain set at £398 this year, the local regulator has said after previously announcing a 20 per cent increase.

In an update on Monday June 30, the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland revealed it needed to secure a legislation amendment from the Department of Health to proceed with the fee hike and “unfortunately, this was not possible in time for the 2025 retention period”. 

The PSNI had previously delayed its 2025-26 retention payment period to August with a view to claiming the higher fee of £477 then, but due to the DH delays “the 2025 retention fee will remain £398”. 

Another proposal to collect the fees by direct debit has also been stalled for this year, and “notification will remain via postal method only” rather than email as a result, said the PSNI, which advised pharmacists that fees will be collected from August 1 to August 31. 

It added: “We will revisit these issues later in the year and keep colleagues informed of any developments or subsequent plans.” 

The PSNI – which has pledged to make its spending more transparent – previously said that while the higher fee “will not be welcomed by most pharmacists” it is “required” to ensure the regulator’s financial sustainability and “optimal organisational performance”. 

PSNI forecasts show it running a loss of £433,690 in the 2025-26 financial year if it does not raise its fees and a £177,387 loss if it does. 

In January this year, the General Pharmaceutical Council announced plans for above inflation increases to registration and renewal fees for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and premises.

In Northern Ireland, pharmacy technicians are not yet a regulated profession despite ambitions to achieve this being first announced in 2022.