CMA announces veterinary reforms in Northern Ireland and UK after finding prices rising at twice rate of inflation
Veterinary practices across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK are to be subject to strict new regulation – including the creation of a price comparison website.
The measures come after an in-depth investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found prices had been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation.
Now the CMA says that written prescription fees from vets will be capped at £21 and that practices will have to publish price lists for services.
It also said a price comparison website will be introduced to help boost competition.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said the measures would "help pet owners make more informed choices" but said vet practices had not been immune to rising prices.
Reforms will start to come into force later this year.
Martin Coleman, Chair of the independent Inquiry Group, said: "This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today’s reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.
"Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds.
"Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.”
An “unprecedented” response from the public and vets helped shape five key reforms;-
– Practices must publish a comprehensive price lists for services.
– Fees for a written prescription (not the actual medication) will be capped at £21.
– Practices must state if they are independent or part of a group.
– Prices and ownership information will be available to pet owners through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ‘Find a Vet’ service, which will share the data with third-party comparison sites.
– Practices must provide a written estimate in advance for treatments over £500 or more, including aftercare – plus an itemised bill – except for emergency care is the only exception.
The CMA also said the current legal regime for the sector is 60 years old and it is therefore backing government’s proposals to make the sector accountable to an independent regulator, which will oversee adherence to the reforms and clinical standards.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 individual vets across the UK, said it welcomes the majority of the measures.
BVA President Dr. Rob Williams said: “The majority of the CMA’s measures focus on increasing transparency and information, which will help pet owners make more informed choices and support competition, which is a really positive step.
"We’re also pleased to see that the CMA continues to support our calls for reform of the woefully outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, including the introduction of vet practice regulation, which will go a long way to addressing many of the issues its investigation raised.”
He added that veterinary prices have risen “sharply” due to the higher costs all businesses are experiencing, and that advances in medical technology over the last 20 years give vets many new, but more expensive, treatment options.