Vet groups look ahead to remedy rollout.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) have considered the rollout of the CMA’s remedies in responses published this week.
SPVS has reflected on the ‘substantial changes’ and ‘real implications’ of the remedy package, as well as the media scrutiny the sector can expect following the published report.
It has praised a change to the prescription fee cap, which it described as ‘a major focus’ in its hearing responses. The prescription fee cap will now be £21, and £12.50 for additional medication.
SPVS says that, now the remedies are ‘no longer theoretical’, the focus will be on their implementation. It highlights operational changes to be made in practices, as well as ‘commercial consequences’.
In a video statement, junior vice-president Kate Higgins said: “There are things we will need to mitigate; potential losses in medicine sales, there’s going to be some work to do around how we present those price lists which are going to be on, initially the Find the Vet website but there will be comparison sites that will be able to access that data.”
The VMG has also reflected on the ‘uncertainty and overwhelm’ that may accompany the publication of the report.
Rebecca Robinson, VMG president, said: “The publication of the CMA’s report is an important moment for the profession. While for some there’s relief that we now have clarity, for others there will be feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm - which are entirely understandable at this stage.
“What has changed is that we’re no longer operating in the dark. We have a clear view of what’s being asked of us, together with timelines. This gives us something to work with, even if the scale of change still feels significant.”
SPVS is hosting five ‘roadshows’ on the CMA report, which will take place across the UK throughout May. Meanwhile the VMG says the implications of the CMA report will be addressed at this year’s VMG Congress, taking place from 22-24 April 2026.
Image © VMG
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
