The consumer protection system in the UK is far from perfect. The words of the NAO will ring true with many colleagues. The landscape changes offer us a chance to look again at regional infrasturctues, intelligence flows, how we measure detriment so we are able to mobilise resource to where it is needed.
The proposed structure will be simplified so that there are just 2 bodies responsible for consumer policy going forward: Trading Standards & Citizens Advice Service
Campaigns will go to Citizens Advice Direct Education will stay with local authorities Business education will go to Trading Standards
Consumer codes will go and will not be replaced like for like Could be replaced with âkite markâ or some other solution such as primary authority approval.
TSPB for England and Wales but Wales may drive their own solution following the Simpson Review.
Option 3 strikes the right balance between competition and consumer. We would want to see the CMA / OFT retain some consumer powers to be used only for structural market failures. Option 3 would give clarity as to the lead body responsible for intervention.
The TSPB will need a strong Chair, possibly an existing Head of Service but the time demands on the Chair may dictate a full time role is necessary. Local Councils taking on large cases in the national interest comes with risks â how do we mitigate these? Insurance, indemnity fund?
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