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