Healthcare providers regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) must pay annual fees to remain registered. These fees are a vital part of the CQC’s funding, supporting inspections, monitoring, and the regulation of healthcare services across England.
For providers, understanding the CQC annual fees is essential for financial planning, compliance, and avoiding potential penalties.
Why CQC Annual Fees Matter
Annual fees ensure that the Care Quality Commission can:
- Carry out inspections and publish reports on quality and safety
- Monitor and enforce standards where services fall short
- Provide guidance for compliance to healthcare organisations
- Maintain transparency for patients and families making care decisions.
Without these contributions, the CQC would not be able to effectively safeguard the quality of care across the sector.
CQC Fee Structure: How Costs Are Calculated
The CQC fee scheme has not changed for several years and applies differently depending on the type and size of service:
- Care homes – fees are linked to the number of registered beds
- Domiciliary and community care providers – charges are based on the number of service locations
- GP and dental practices – fees often scale according to patient list sizes
- Specialist healthcare providers – unique structures may apply depending on scope of services and number of locations
Example of Possible Annual Fees (Illustrative 2019-2025 Ranges)
|
Provider Type |
Size/Capacity |
Possible Annual Fee Range* |
|---|---|---|
|
GP Practice |
Up to 5,000 patients |
£1,500 – £3,000 |
|
20,000+ patients |
£8,000 – £12,000+ |
|
|
Aesthetics Clinic |
Small clinic, 1 location, minimal complexity, mostly injectables / laser treatments |
£1,700-£2,000 |
|
Medium clinic, maybe 2–3 locations or offering surgical cosmetic work + sedation etc. |
£3,500-£7,000 |
|
|
Surgical clinics |
Small surgical clinic (day surgery only; single location; limited procedures; no overnight beds) |
£1,700-£2,000 |
|
Medium surgical clinic (one location; some overnight capacity / inpatient beds; general anaesthesia; moderate volume; higher risk procedures) |
£10,000-£12,000 for hospital services band (1 location) |
|
|
Dental Practice |
1–2 surgeries |
£1,000 – £2,500 |
|
5+ surgeries |
£3,500 – £7,000 |
*These figures are examples for guidance only. Actual fees are published annually by the CQC and depend on provider type, size, and scope of services.
The Impact on Healthcare Providers
For many organisations, particularly small care services, CQC costs represent a considerable financial burden. Late or missed payments can lead to:
- Penalties and enforcement actions
- Disruption to registration
- Increased financial and operational pressure.
Effective financial planning and compliance management are therefore crucial.
Managing CQC with Expert Support
At BAXCQC, we specialise in helping healthcare providers manage CQC requirements. From getting you registration ready to preparing for inspections, we provide expert support tailored to your organisation.
✅ Stay informed about CQC fee changes
✅ Reduce compliance risks
✅ Focus on delivering high-quality care while we handle the regulatory side.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your organisation in managing CQC and compliance in 2025.