Of course there is a surplus, these private entities wouldn't agree a contract for work with no margin in it. The consultant's charge will be no greater than the actual cost of employing a consultant in an NHS Trust taking into account on-costs etc.
I meant a meaningful surplus. Of course they’re making a profit but I’m assuming Trusts have calculated the approximate actual costs previously so if private are receiving the same then it’s not like there’s massive profiteering going on
Ps it’s a bit bizarre trusts are making a surplus to start with