The independent regulator of health and social care in England
No change to CQC fees scheme for registered providers in 2020/21
Dear colleague
I am writing to let you know that the CQC fees scheme will not change next year – in 2020/21.
This means that, for most providers, their fees will remain the same as in 2019/20, providing their registration or size does not change. NHS trusts, NHS GPs and community social care providers may see a small change to their fees from April 2020 (up or down), because each provider’s fee is calculated by looking at their size against the total size of the sector, both of which change year-on-year. However, the total fees collected for each sector will not change.
Since CQC is only required to consult when there is a change to our fees scheme, we will not be consulting on fees this year.
CQC has been on a trajectory to full cost recovery since 2015. By this we mean that, following HM Treasury policy, we now recover all our costs for our chargeable activities through fees.
At the same time, we have made considerable savings through controlling our spending and increasing efficiency in our inspections and other operational activity.
We think that, by keeping our fees scheme unchanged for 2020/21, providers can benefit from a known fee when setting budgets. It also gives us an opportunity to focus our efforts on the following activities:
Continuing to make careful investments to transform our organisation, so that we can continue to assure the public about the services they receive, while working more efficiently and effectively with providers.
Making sure our fees scheme can respond to changing regulatory demand across sectors.
Developing our fees strategy, so that it is fit for the future and can reflect the new ways that health and social care are provided.
Since our fees scheme will remain the same in 2020/21 as in 2019/20, you can find the fees scheme, guidance and calculator on our website at www.cqc.org.uk/fees
To ensure our fees scheme is fair and proportionate, we are committed to engaging with providers and their representatives to help us develop our future approach to fees.
We would like to thank you for your continued support and involvement in working with us to make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care.
