Get to know the CCP

The Panel helps ensure that the Principles and Rules of Co-operation and Competition for the provision of NHS-funded services support the delivery of high quality care for patients and value for money for taxpayers.

The Panel investigates potential breaches of the Principles and Rules, and makes independent recommendations to the Department of Health and Monitor on how such breaches should be resolved. It also reviews proposed mergers, and advises on the wider development of co-operation, patient choice and competition within the NHS.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Panel works with all parts of the NHS, non-government service providers and others to drive improvements in service delivery. Find out more.

The CCP has produced a short guide to the CCP setting out what the CCP does, how the CCP does it and the ways in which parties can engage most constructively with the CCP in carrying out is work. See the guide here.

The CCP has also produced a progress report that describes the cases it has completed so far, what its findings have been, and what early lessons have been learnt. See the progress report here.

Referrals to the CCP

Under the Principles and Rules of Co-operation and Competition, the CCP may consider four types of cases:

Merger cases
Conduct cases
Procurement dispute appeals
Advertising and misleading information dispute appeals.

Merger cases and conduct cases may be considered directly by the CCP. However, procurement and advertising disputes will only be considered on appeal from a Strategic Health Authority

The CCP may also investigate and report on non-case specific competition issues referred to it by the Department of Health or by Monitor.

Find out more about referrals to the CCP