CMA extends investigation timetable
CMA's recent 'remedies' working paper sparked backlash from the vet sector.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has extended its timetable for the market investigation into the supply of veterinary services by six months.
The inquiry group’s new statutory deadline is 22 May 2026, however inquiry chair Martin Coleman has shared aims to reach a final decision in February 2026.
This extension comes after its recent working paper, detailing suggested remedies for the veterinary sector, received widespread backlash from veterinary organisations. The group reports receiving over 500 responses to its consultation, with the majority of these coming from individuals and independent vets.
The CMA says this decision recognises the complexity of the issues raised by the investigation. It is also the result of the ‘extensive number of detailed submissions’ to the suggested remedies, as well as concerns raised by main parties to its profitability working papers.
In a blog post, Mr Coleman said that the group had received ‘mixed feedback’ from those in the veterinary sector.
He writes that many respondents said they would ‘welcome’ changes to the regulatory system, particularly highlighting the need to regulate non-veterinary owners of veterinary practices. Many responses also noted the importance of transparency, providing it recognised the unpredictability of clinical practice.
However, he adds that submissions highlighted three concerns: practicalities, costs and proportionality, and the impact on business models.
Some of the specific issues concerned the risks related to implementing the remedies, as well as questioning whether the remedies were proportionate to the issues raised. They also considered how changes to the dispensing of medication could impact business models relying on medicine mark-ups.
Mr Coleman says that the ‘volume and strength of feeling’ of the comments highlighted the need for an extension to the timetable.
The CMA inquiry group will now aim to publish a provisional decision in September 2025, with response hearings to follow at the end of October 2025.
Mr Coleman writes: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We understand the value of providing greater certainty to the many stakeholders – not least the vets, nurses, receptionists and other hardworking frontline staff – affected by this work and delivering outcomes as quickly as possible is a key objective for the CMA.
“It is also important that those outcomes are measured, well-targeted and proportionate, and that the process gives a fair hearing to affected parties.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
