Can the CQC issue fines?
Can the CQC issue fines?
Yes – the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has the legal authority to issue fines to care providers and individuals for failing to meet regulatory requirements. These fines can be issued through fixed penalty notices, or, in more serious cases, the CQC can take providers to court, where penalties may include unlimited fines and imprisonment.
What Triggers a CQC Fine?
Fines are typically issued when a provider breaches the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 or other registration regulations. Some common offences include:
Operating without CQC registration (fine: £4,000)
Failing to comply with safety and quality standards (fine: £4,000 for providers, £2,000 for managers)
Obstructing a CQC inspection (fine: £300)
Not providing required notifications or documents
View the full list of offences and fines here.
What is a Fixed Penalty Notice?
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is a notice of a fine issued for minor offenses. Fixed penalty notices are used for certain breaches and allow providers to avoid prosecution if the fine is paid.
These are issued at the CQC’s discretion and are often used where the offence has a relatively low impact but still requires formal action.
Criminal Prosecution
For serious or repeated breaches – especially those involving avoidable harm, significant risk, or failure to act on safety incidents – the CQC may prosecute. Convictions can lead to unlimited fines and, in some cases, up to 12 months imprisonment.
What if you aren’t registered with the CQC?
Providing regulated care activities without registration is a criminal offence. If CQC suspects this, it may issue warnings – but if the activity continues, it can lead to immediate enforcement, including prosecution.
When Will the CQC Prosecute?
The CQC considers several factors before prosecuting:
Serious harm or risk to service users
Multiple or persistent breaches
Breaches that undermine public confidence
Evidence of intent to mislead, deceive, or obstruct inspectors
Working with Other Agencies
The CQC works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities. The CQC leads on care quality matters, while the HSE leads on workplace health and safety.
Need Help Staying Compliant?
At Affinity Care Advisory, we support providers in understanding and meeting CQC requirements to avoid enforcement action. From audits to training, we’re here to help you stay inspection-ready and compliant.
Book a FREE 15-minute consultation today.
