This bill is aimed at simplifying and clarifying consumer rights, streamlining and bringing together the complex mix of consumer protection legislation which currently exists. If it is simpler for consumers to understand their rights and responsibilities, they may be more likely to exercise them effectively.
Consumers will be able to:
- get some money back after 1 failed repair of faulty goods (or 1 faulty replacement)
- demand that substandard services are redone or failing that get a price reduction
- a set 30 day time period to return faulty goods and get a full refund
- challenge terms and conditions which aren’t fair or are hidden in the small-print: for example airlines charging baggage fees will have to make them really clear when consumers are booking to avoid legal challenge
Digital content is included for the first time.
Citizens Advice strongly welcomed the bill, calling for minor adjustments only. In particular they want collective redress provision to extend to all unfair practices, not just competition cases as currently proposed. See here for a Parliamentary Briefing from them on the Bill.