NHS Providers submitted a response to the CQC consultation on fees for 2017/18. Our response covered the following key points:

• We understand and recognise that the fee levels for 2017/18 will meet the objective of achieving full cost recovery and reflect the requirements imposed upon the CQC by HM Treasury.
• However, we are disappointed that the consultation dismisses the possibility of revising the timescale of the trajectory to full cost recovery, particularly considering that a more extended timeframe was overwhelmingly supported by those who took part in last year’s consultation.
• We remain concerned at the limited capacity of our members to absorb the significant additional CQC fees that this and last year’s consultation have brought about.
• The proposals in this consultation mean that NHS providers will see their fees rise by almost 50 per cent in April 2017, equating to over £100,000 for some. Across the whole NHS provider sector, the rise in fees is more than £18 million, which would be sufficient to cover the wages of around 700 nurses for a year. This comes on the back of a fee increase for NHS trusts of as much as 75 percent in 2016/17.
• The proposed increases in CQC fees will add further pressure on NHS foundation trusts and trusts which are already operating in a climate of significant financial constraints.
• We look forward to seeing the proposed changes to the CQC’s model as outlined in its new five year strategy making a positive impact on ground, including on sustainability and affordability of the regulatory framework.