The DHSC has said that the many issues identified in the responses to its consultation process cannot be considered or determined in isolation. It noted: “… it is vital that any classifications and restrictions strike a balance between being proportionate to the risk to public safety while not unnecessarily hampering the activities of legitimate practitioners.”¹

In finalising the licensing scheme, the DHSC has said that any incoming regulation “must be navigable and understandable for all those who use it.” This will include:

·     - members of the public looking to find a suitable practitioner;

·     - businesses looking to understand what they need to do to comply with regulatory requirements;

·     - enforcement bodies looking to obtain information on a practitioner or an emerging trend.

The Department has also committed to working with the CQC, local government and other organisations involved with administering the regulatory system to ensure the changes are understood by the public and providers, and that suitable data collection systems are in place for reporting and addressing issues in a timely manner.

Further public consultations will take place “to inform a finalised design for the licensing scheme, which will be subject to Parliamentary debate before implementation.”

It will therefore be some time before any changes are made in England, so the legislative progress and outcomes in Scotland may help shape these decisions.