Statement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
in
response to advice from the
Competition and Markets Authority published today, following
their review into the PCR travel test market that he requested
last month.
Health and Social Care Secretary
said:
“It is completely unacceptable for any private testing company to
take advantage of holidaymakers and we are taking action to clamp
down on cowboy behaviour.
“I requested a review from the Competition and Markets Authority
to address exploitative behaviour in the private testing market
and ensure the government is doing everything it can to crack
down on excessive pricing and inaccurate claims.
“Through our regular reviews and spot-checks, we have identified
even more providers that were messing around with costs and have
now removed 91 providers from Gov.uk and corrected
inaccurate prices of 135 private providers who will be removed
from the list if they advertise misleading prices again.
“From 21 September, in order to ensure travel test providers are
performing to a high legalised standard, there will be tough new
penalties for companies that fail to follow the law, including
fixed fines of up to £10,000.
“I am reviewing the recommendations from the Competition and
Markets Authority and will outline further changes shortly to
ensure consumers are given the best tests at the very best
prices.”
