Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that consumers have accurate information to make informed decisions when purchasing covid-19 testing services; and what measures the Government plan to implement to protect consumers from potential scammers operating in the covid-19 testing market.

In order to help consumers chose a reputable private provider for testing services, we have provided guidance which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing

We also monitor issues raised by the public and reports from other key regulatory and oversight bodies. If we become aware that a provider is not meeting the required minimum standards and it is not corrected, we can remove their listing from GOV.UK. Where a private provider’s activities pose a potential risk to public safety, we will refer them to the appropriate enforcement body, depending on the infringement. Where necessary we will support regulatory bodies undertaking further investigation of a provider and support any legal actions or interventions.

Consumers who have been a victim of fraud can make a report directly to Action Fraud, Citizens Advice and the police. Any report received directly to UK Health Security Agency will be reviewed and intelligence will be shared with the appropriate authority.