The aim of the GMC’s income discount scheme is to assist doctors whose overall financial circumstances makes it more difficult for them to afford the full annual fee. However some doctors may miss out on the discount if their period of maternity spans two registration years, with the result that their income does not fall below the threshold in either year. BMA have challenged the GMC about this and following their intervention they will be undertaking a review of their discount scheme, as it recognises the need to allow all women on maternity leave (irrespective of the time of year their baby is born) to access a discount if their income falls below the threshold while they are on maternity leave.
In the meantime, the GMC will offer doctors a discount if they expect their income to be below the £32,000 threshold during a 12-month period that overlaps with their period of maternity leave. This discount is available for one registration year, so doctors will need to indicate on the income discount application form which year they would like the discount to be applied to.
The GMC will be updating its information to reflect this interim change – for further information please contact the GMC directly (contact details are on the income discount application form).