Refining our competition regime
We are seeking views on measures to improve the pace, predictability, proportionality and process of the UK’s competition regime.
This consultation seeks views on proposals to improve the pace, predictability, proportionality and process of engagement of the UK’s competition regime. The aim is to ensure the framework continues to promote effective competition, support economic growth, and deliver benefits for consumers and businesses, while maintaining the independence of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The primary mission of this government is to deliver economic growth. Effective competition in dynamic UK markets drives investment, productivity, innovation and, ultimately, growth. As set out in the Industrial Strategy, promoting competition and refining the competition regime is central to this mission, with a commitment to “unlock the full potential of competition to increase market dynamism and growth”.
Independent competition regulation has been the bedrock of the UK’s approach for over 25 years. The government is committed to ensuring the CMA has the powers and statutory framework it needs to independently deliver its critical role of promoting competition for the benefit of consumers in response to evolving markets and to drive economic growth.
The CMA has already taken significant steps to focus its work on growth and investment while protecting consumers and businesses, in response to the Strategic Steer issued by government in May 2025. Under the leadership of CEO Sarah Cardell and interim Chair Doug Gurr, the CMA has delivered tangible results through its ‘4Ps’ framework to improve pace, predictability, proportionality and process of engagement.
This consultation complements those changes by proposing legislative refinements to support the CMA’s operational transformation and ensure the UK remains a ‘best in class’ competition regime.
The proposals include:
- a new decision-making model for the markets and mergers regimes, to enhance the CMA Board’s involvement and accountability while safeguarding CMA independence from government in its decision making
- enhancing the markets regime by streamlining to reduce review times, improving the flexibility of the concurrency framework in markets work, and measures to ensure market remedies remain necessary and proportionate
- providing greater certainty on when mergers will be subject to investigation by the CMA, and providing more time to agree remedies following Phase 1 merger investigations
- stronger CMA powers to investigate algorithms across its competition and consumer protection responsibilities
- providing the Secretary of State with a formal role in a wider range of key guidance documents
We are seeking views on these proposals from businesses, consumers and consumer groups, and others with knowledge and expertise in the UK’s competition regime.
Ways to respond Email to:competitionpolicy@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Write to:
Competition Policy Team
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY