Healthcare Commission cuts fees for private mental health providers

The Healthcare Commission will cut regulation fees for independent sector mental health providers this year, though poorer performers may incur higher charges, it announced today.

Private and voluntary providers, which must register with the commission, will be charged £5,350 in 2007-8, down from £5,750 in 2006-7, which includes a routine inspection if needed. However, any additional inspections will incur extra fees, based on a daily rate.

Fees for hospices remain at their 2006-7 rate of £259.

This is the first year in which the commission has cut overall charges and it plans to go further in future years, both in cutting fees and basing rates on performance.