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Citizens Advice has set out the consumer issues it will tackle in the year ahead with the launch of its consumer work plan 2017/18.

Consumer spending is a key driver of the economy and £1.2 trillion is spent on goods and services each year.

But when consumers are on the receiving end of rip-off deals, shoddy services and scams both their money and time is wasted.

The plan has been shaped using data from the millions of people who seek help from Citizens Advice on consumer problems and the charity’s policy research.

Areas of focus for the next year include access to fair and affordable essential services, cutting bills and securing value for money in markets that aren't working.

The work plan is open for consultation with stakeholders until 9 March with the final version due for publication on 20 March.   

Comments can be addressed to adminteam-policyandadvocacy@citizensadvice.org.uk or by post to: James Plunkett, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Citizens Advice, 200 Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4HD.

Citizens Advice has the statutory duty to represent consumers in the postal, energy and cross-cutting markets.

Citizens Advice consumer work plan 2017/18

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.