Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the thresholds or guidance under which mergers in the care home sector are referred to the Competition and Markets Authority.

Merger referral thresholds and guidance sit within a well-established statutory framework, designed to ensure that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can act where there is a realistic prospect of harm to competition. The merger control regime is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective and fit for purpose. To improve clarity, the Government will consult on potential amendments to the “material influence” and “share of supply” tests that underpin the CMA’s jurisdiction.