NHS: Private Companies

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Excerpts

Monday 11th February 2013 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

I am aware that the board of the CQC is looking at that very question at the moment in the light of the Mid Staffordshire review. The noble Baroness is absolutely right. I think the essence of the answer to her question is that a risk-based approach must be adopted so that areas that are deserving of more attention from the CQC receive it and areas that are of lesser concern are allowed to act accordingly without interference.

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]

My Lords, the Minister spoke of the possibility of local tariffs. How does that translate into regional pay? Is the Minister in favour of regional pay for people working in health service?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, regional pay is already allowed for under Agenda for Change, and has been for a number of years. The Government do not intend to change that.