Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP welcomes crackdown on “rip-off” vet fees

Justin Madders MP has welcomed new measures to tackle what he described as “rip-off” veterinary fees, as part of wider efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures.

The Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP spoke in Parliament after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced prescription fees charged by vets will be capped at £21, with a lower fee for additional items.

Veterinary practices will also be required to publish clear price lists and provide better information to help pet owners compare costs.

The CMA found veterinary costs have been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation, with a lack of transparency limiting competition, leaving many pet owners facing unexpectedly high bills.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Madders told Chancellor Rachel Reeves:

“I welcome the CMA’s report this morning about action to tackle rip-off vet fees.”

Mr Madders, who owns a 10-year-old Labrador named Mellie, has previously spoken about regularly walking her in Rivacre Valley, Ellesmere Port, where he meets local residents and fellow dog owners.

He later highlighted the scale of the issue, adding:

“I heard of a case where one vet quoted £140 for a prescription for a dog, a price that feels wildly out of proportion for a routine medication.”

The former employment rights and markets minister raised the issue during a statement by the Chancellor on the Government’s response to rising energy and fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East.

While welcoming action to address those pressures, Mr Madders called for stronger action against companies exploiting the crisis to drive up prices. He asked whether the CMA would be able “to act swiftly, nimbly and in real time”, noting that its investigation into veterinary fees had taken several years to complete.

In response, Ms Reeves said the Government had recently met with the regulator to discuss further steps, including the rollout of a fuel price comparison scheme and an investigation into heating oil costs.

She added that the CMA would report back in the coming weeks with further recommendations, as part of broader efforts to keep prices down for consumers.

The new measures on veterinary fees are intended to ensure fairer pricing and greater transparency, helping to protect pet owners from excessive charges.

Pictured - Justin Madders MP and his 10-year-old Labrador named Mellie outside Little Sutton CE Primary School.