General Council of the Bar launches 2026/27 practising certificate fee and budget consultation

As the approved regulator, the Bar Council is seeking views from the profession on the planned level of the PCF, proposed changes to entity fees, and the overall budget for the year ahead.

The consultation is open until 11.59pm on Sunday 4 January 2026.

A link to the full consultation paper is available below.

Consultation questions

Respondents are invited to consider the following:

1. Do you agree with the General Council of the Bar’s proposal to increase the practising certificate fee (PCF) for 2026/27 as set out in the consultation document? Please give reasons for your answer.

2. Do you agree that the proposed PCF for 2026/27 represents value for money? If so, why?

3. Would the proposed practising fee adversely affect you due to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 (such as age, disability or sex) or due to your individual practising arrangements?
   If so, please explain how we could better meet your needs.
   Do you agree with the Bar Council’s initial Equality Impact Analysis (Annex A)?

4. Do you agree with the proposed changes to entity fees outlined in Annex B of the consultation paper? Please give reasons.

5. Do you have any further comments on the PCF or the Bar Council’s proposed 2026/27 budget?

Read the consultation paper

General Council of the Bar 2026–27 PCF and budget consultation

How to respond

Responses must be submitted via the online survey form.
The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on Sunday 4 January 2026.