Recommendation 13

The government should ensure the CMA’s remedies are fully rural proofed. The government should instruct the CMA, in partnership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, to establish a monitoring framework by September 2027 to coincide with the deadline for small practices to implement most of the remedies. This framework should monitor prices, competition, business sustainability and access to services in rural and isolated areas. The CMA should publish a formal review of the impact of its remedies by March 2029, giving small business 18 months to adapt to the new requirements. The review should assess impacts on mixed practices, rural provision, and market outcomes. Where adverse effects are identified, the CMA should implement corrective measures within a further six months to protect service provision and animal welfare. (Recommendation, Paragraph 38) Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act