Consultation on consumer advice

New proposals to simplify the ‘confusing and overlapping provision of consumer protection’ are needed according to Consumer Minister Edward Davey.

He today announced new proposals in a consultation ‘Empowering and Protecting Consumers’, in which ministers say they want to see a new simplified ‘consumer landscape’. Public funding will be concentrated on two bodies – Trading Standards and the Citizens Advice service.

Consumer Minister Edward Davey said:

“This government believes in giving more power to people. Our consumer policy is all about empowering consumers to make the right decisions for themselves when they buy goods and services.

“But we also need to ensure we have the right system of help, advice and protection when consumers need support. For too long people have been faced with a confusing landscape of different, public, private and voluntary consumer bodies, with overlapping roles and responsibilities. It is not always clear where to turn for trusted advice and information which consumers need to make good choices or a champion to support them when they have been ripped off. “

For more details, including a link to the consultation paper, see Protection for consumers in need of reform