By Christian Aboagye (Social Worker and Mental Health Practitioner)
Social Work England’s decision to press ahead with a 33% rise in registration and renewal fees, from £90 to £120 despite overwhelming opposition from social workers, is deeply disappointing. While the regulator cites inflationary pressures and the need to rebalance funding streams, this move appears disconnected from the financial realities practitioners face on the ground.
It is important to stress that no social worker has seen a 33% pay rise in a year. Expecting them to absorb this sharp fee increase, amidst a cost of living crisis and rising workplace demands, is unreasonable and inconsiderate. Social workers are already under immense pressure; emotionally, mentally, and financially. The regulator’s response that fees are to cover the cost of regulation, not practitioner wellbeing, misses the bigger picture: regulation exists to support safe practice, which hinges on a supported workforce.
The assertion that fees can be reclaimed through tax relief adds little comfort. Many frontline practitioners, overwhelmed with caseloads and time constraints, do not have the bandwidth to navigate tax bureaucracy. A system that relies on overworked professionals chasing relief after the fact is inherently flawed. Ask social workers whether they are even able to claim mileage for clinical or work purpose journeys?
Moreover, the lack of adaptation following feedback from over 8,000 consultation respondents representing 96% of whom opposed the rise; suggests a worrying disregard for the views of the very professionals the regulator exists to serve. Unlike its Scottish counterpart, which revised its approach in response to similar concerns, Social Work England has shown little willingness to compromise.
If the regulator’s aim is to enhance public protection, it must start by protecting the morale and welfare of social workers themselves. Fee increases of this magnitude, imposed against the clear wishes of the profession, risk alienating practitioners and further eroding trust. Consider the difficulties Local Authorities (LA) and the National Health Services (NHS) faces in attracting, recruiting, and retaining social workers; ask them of their views on this increment?
This decision should be revisited. The responsibility to fund the regulation of a vital public service should not fall so heavily on already stretched social workers. It is time for government intervention and for Social Work England to align its actions with the lived experiences of the workforce it regulates.
I say, there are alternatives ways and strategies to raise funds for any agenda you may want to fulfil. The current approach is not appropriate and will further cause damage to Social Workers.
Christian Aboagye
Mental Health Practitioner and Social Worker
Home-Based Treatment Team, NHS
Advocate for Equity in Health and Social Care
