UK: Competition authority gains new power

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now has the power to make written recommendations to UK government ministers on how legislative plans before the UK parliament could impact on competition in UK markets.

The regulator said it intends to use the new power “sparingly”.

The CMA gained the right to make the recommendations after provisions contained in the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act, which received Royal Assent earlier this year, came into force on 26 May.

Under section 37 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act, the CMA can make written recommendations to government ministers about legislative proposals before the UK parliament on competition matters within any UK market for goods or services.

The CMA said it is likely to exercise its new powers where “it expects to be able to influence the proposals, and believes it is appropriate for the UK competition authority to make its written recommendations on the public record”.

Full content: Legislation.gov.uk

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