United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV)

Following lobbying by the PFC, UK Security Vetting (UKSV) has confirmed in writing that it will remunerate doctors at a rate of £150 (plus VAT, where appropriate) for medical vetting duties. This work had previously attracted a fee of £40, which the PFC made clear was wholly insufficient given the importance of national security, the complexity and sensitivity of the information required, and the potential professional and reputational risks for doctors. UKSV is responsible for the medical vetting process associated with security clearances, including those involving doctors.

A trial of the increased fee over recent months has led to significantly faster report return times and a reduction in complaints from patients and applicants. It has also enabled UKSV to deliver a more efficient and robust medical vetting process, benefiting both patients and national security. UKSV has written to the PFC to confirm that: 'There may be occasions where questionnaires and requests for specialist correspondence are received from UKSV and other vetting agencies. These reports are necessary to assess your patient’s suitability to hold national security clearance, and individuals may be unable to undertake their role until this process is completed. Given the nature of these reports, responses must be typed to avoid misinterpretation and should provide a realistic–not optimistic–assessment of the patient, without redacting information critical to the assessment, including details of mental health and associated treatment. Upon receipt of the report within 28 calendar days, a fee of £150 + VAT will be payable.'

UKSV has also committed to reviewing this fee annually each autumn, in line with BMA guidance and using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to inform any uplift since the previous review. 

*The committee are currently in discussions with the UKSV to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish good working practices of reviewing the fee and terms of conditions on an annual basis.

Great Britain

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

Following negotiations between PFC and the DVLA at the end of 2025, the DVLA adjusted the fees for series 2 forms to £50 effective from 1 January, with a further increase to £62.50 for both GPs and consultants commencing 1 April 2026.  A  memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the BMA and DVLA, which would serve as a foundation for future collaboration. Several other DVLA fees, which have remained unchanged since 2012 for both GPs and consultants, are overdue for review. The PFC will schedule their next meeting with the DVLA to discuss potential increases in these fees.

Department of work and pensions (DWP)

The PFC team launched their own survey to find out why doctors were not completing the GP Factual Report (GPFR).The survey was shared with GPs, consultants, and SAS doctors and remained open for three weeks, gathering 1,170 responses. Most doctors stated that the fee for completing the report was too low and that they did not have enough time set aside in their schedules to complete this work. The survey showed clearly that doctors felt undervalued and overwhelmed by the current DWP form process. There was strong support among respondents for higher fees, digital improvements, and an emphasis on factual reporting rather than undertaking functional assessments.

Discussions are ongoing with the DWP to improve fees paid for GP factual reports.

Ministry of Justice (MoJ)

The PFC undertook an autopsy survey in February 2026 to address growing concerns regarding workload, remuneration, and sustainability within pathology services. This initiative was prompted by notable disparities in practices and pay across regions, as identified by the Ministry of Justice. Pathologists face significant challenges, including excessive workloads, staff shortages and complex cases, which threaten service delivery and patient safety. The PFC survey, distributed to a range of medical professionals performing autopsies, aimed to gather reliable feedback, clarify working conditions, and inform ongoing negotiations with the Ministry of Justice. The findings provided support in efforts to achieve fair recognition and compensation for pathologists, ensure the sustainability of services, and promote consistency in future policy development across England and Wales. It was quite clear from the results of the survey that a significant fee increase is necessary not as a benefit but as a preventative measure to avoid systemic failure of the autopsy service in England and Wales. Fees must reflect actual costs, including facilities, staff, equipment, indemnity insurance, and compliance with legal standards.

Discussions are ongoing with the MoJ to address the fees paid to pathologists for autopsies.

Any fee related matters you would like to raise from an English or UK perspective, get in touch with PFC – [email protected] 

Northern Ireland

Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) Northern Ireland

To further PFC’s understanding of the top three fee issues impacting doctors in Northern Ireland a survey was sent to all GPs, consultants, and specialty doctors in Northern Ireland. The feedback outlined that one specific area was related to fees for completion of forms for the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). The PFC chair, Northern Ireland representative and secretariat went to the DVA offices in Coleraine to meet the team and outline the findings of specific feedback of DVA survey.  The results garnered have highlighted some key themes and underscored the importance of addressing fee-related concerns. A letter has been sent to the DVA to present to their board of directors.

Discussions are ongoing with the DVA to improve fees to develop parity with the DVLA.

Any fee related matters you would like to raise from a Northern Irish perspective, get in touch with PFC - [email protected]

Wales

Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)

A Welsh practice expressed concerns about GPs seeking patient consent and payment before sharing information with the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). Updated UK-wide guidance now clarifies that consent is not needed. NHS forums and advisory groups across all four nations are discussing remaining issues to ensure clarity on the legal grounds for sharing data with IBCA. The PFC communicated to the IBCA that this work is outside existing contractual obligations and recommended appropriate remuneration for doctors. The IBCA acknowledges these responsibilities fall beyond the core NHS contract and agrees they warrant suitable compensation. Following intervention from the PFC, the IBCA confirmed that it intended to offer £70-£80 or duties undertaken on behalf of the IBCA, that were previously unenumerated. According to NHS England guidance, most cases should be processed and responded to within seven working days. For more complex requests, an acknowledgment and estimated timeline should be provided within the same period. If GP records do not contain the requested information, the IBCA must be notified so adjustments can be made to their requests.