Competition Commission
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
CC publishes corporate plan
The Competition Commission (CC) has published its corporate plan for 2009/10, which sets out its objectives over the next 12 months and beyond.
The plan is available at http://www.competition-commission.org.uk and sets out a number of objectives, including working towards doing some inquiries more quickly, whilst maintaining the quality of the CC's work. In particular, the CC is aiming, where appropriate, to complete future market investigations in 18 months1 or possibly an even shorter period in the case of smaller markets. Specific work streams will explore ways of making investigations more efficient and effective, as well as ensuring that the CC is taking the right decisions and the right remedial actions when required.
The CC has discussed its plan with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), as the two bodies work together closely to deliver an effective and efficient competition regime, minimising duplication of effort between the two bodies and minimising the burden on business. The OFT has itself committed to a six month target for consulting on decisions whether to refer a market to the CC in cases where this may be the most appropriate and proportionate outcome.
Chairman of the CC, Peter Freeman said:
"The quality of
the CC's work is not in doubt but we are always looking to
improve, in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness. In
particular, we are aiming to complete market investigations more
quickly in future to make best use of our resources and reduce the
demands we put on those companies we investigate.
"There are certainly things we can do towards fulfilling that aim but for this to succeed it needs to be a two way process. Therefore we would expect co-operation from businesses who have called on us to minimise the burden of our investigations.
"We firmly believe that competition is as important as ever in difficult times, when its role in delivering the best outcome to consumers is perhaps even more crucial. We are working closely with the OFT in pursuit of our shared aim of making the competition regime work to deliver these benefits."
Notes for editors
1. The CC is an independent public body
which carries out investigations into mergers, markets and the
regulated industries.
2. The Enterprise Act 2002 requires the OFT to refer to the CC for investigation and report, completed or proposed mergers where there may be a substantial lessening of competition.
3. The Act also empowers the OFT to refer to the CC for investigation and report, markets where there may be an adverse effect on competition.
4. The CC has assessment and appeal functions under a wide range of sectoral regulatory regimes.
5. The OFT and the CC have today together issued a press release on their joint work towards making the competition regime more effective. http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/
6. Further information on the CC and its procedures, including its policy on the provision of information and the disclosure of evidence, can be obtained from its website at: http://www.competition-commission.org.uk.
7. Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor on 020 7271 0242 (email rory.taylor@cc.gsi.gov.uk) or Siobhan Allen on 020 7271 0242 (email siobhan.allen@cc.gsi.gov.uk)
1 The CC is currently allowed two years to complete market investigations by current legislation.
