Private firms providing services to NHS made £1.6bn profit in two years, research finds

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.

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.