Section 5 - Next steps and implementation

Recommendations/ preferred options

Option 2 is recommended as these regulations, set out a structured approach for how the franchising panels are to be convened and operated. Among other things, they set the eligibility criteria for the recruitment of panel members and make provision about the processes for panels to consider written and oral evidence. These regulations therefore assist to bring the franchising provisions into full effect.

Implementation considerations/ plan

These regulations are expected to come into force on 1 November 2024.

Post implementation review

There are no specific plans to monitor or review the impact of these regulations. However, we will keep the operation of the whole franchising process under review and will revisit it as needed.