Private firms providing services to NHS made £1.6bn profit in two years, research finds
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/13/private-companies-nhs-services-profit-chpi-research
[Guardian] Exclusive: MPs say profit-making levels in England are ‘scandalous’ and call for cap on amount private companies can make from NHS
Private firms providing services to the NHS including healthcare and consultancy have made £1.6bn in profits over the last two years, research reveals.
The findings – on the basis of contracts worth £12bn – have prompted claims of “scandalous” profiteering, concern that the health service is being “taken for a ride” and calls for ministers to impose a cap on maximum profit levels.
The £1.6bn in profits made in 2023-24 and 2024-25 would have been enough to pay for 9,178 doctors or 19,428 nurses during that time, according to the Centre for Health and the Public Interest.
Its findings are based on analysis of NHS contracts in England, with 760 private firms providing services including diagnostic tests such as CT scans to patients, and treatments including hip and knee replacements, and for skin problems and mental health conditions.
The thinktank found:
- £2bn of the £12bn of contracts went to firms with owners based outside the UK.
- £533m of that £2bn went to companies owned by people living in tax havens such as Jersey and the Cayman Islands.
- Firms, especially those owned by private equity outfits, used £353m of their £12bn NHS income to pay interest on debts.
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Original article continues at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/13/private-companies-nhs-services-profit-chpi-research