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What qualifications should be acceptable and who should pay the annual fee have caused the most debate on the registration process in Scotland, according to the Scottish Social Services Council.

Conduct, good character and competence were accepted as key to registering staff, said council registrar Geraldine Doherty. But, describing a series of registration workshops held across Scotland, she said: "Two delegates had to be pulled apart because the debate on qualifications was so heated." Police checks cost £13.60, the annual registration fee £30. Some councils have paid the £13.60 but this is discretionary.