PCR tests for travel are a “rip-off”

PCR tests for travel have become “a predictable Covid rip-off”, says the ex-chair of the Competition and Markets Authority, Lord Tyrie.

Lord Andrew Tyrie said the competition regulator had been “too slow to react” to complaints about testing providers.

Holidaymakers have objected to high prices and poor service from many of the 400-plus test firms listed on the government’s website.

Tests cost about £75 on average, but prices can reach hundreds.

Lord Tyrie told the BBC that the regulator “could and should have been better prepared” and should be advising the Government on how to obtain a “quick remedy”.

A CMA spokesperson said: “These comments are inaccurate. The CMA gave advice to DHSC (Department of Health) officials about the PCR testing market in April and we gave further advice to the Secretary of State last week.

“We continue to work closely with DHSC in reviewing the market and, as we have made clear, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action ourselves if there are breaches of consumer law.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the CMA has secured hundreds of millions of pounds in refunds for people who have been treated unfairly, in sectors including holiday accommodation and package travel.”

Last week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid asked the CMA to investigate “excessive” pricing and “exploitative practices” among PCR Covid test firms.

Initially, the CMA said it would take up to a month to report back. But after a chorus of objection from the travel industry, the CMA said it was reviewing the situation “immediately”.