Legislation / Legal

HMRCBenefit cheats are being warned that Government will work with a credit reference agency (CRA) to track down fraudsters across the country.
Press release & links
 
OFT: The OFT has accepted formal commitments from 6 insurance companies and 2 IT software & service providers to limit the data they exchange between them.
Press release & links
 
FSAThe Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued its largest ever retail fine of £10.5m to HSBC because of inappropriate investment advice provided by one of its subsidiaries, NHFA Limited (NHFA) to elderly customers.
Press release & links
 
WAGHousing Associations across Wales will be under greater scrutiny in a new regulatory environment with more of a focus on financial viability & good governance whilst being more accountable to their tenants under new regulations set out by the Welsh Government

The new Framework will deliver modern & efficient regulation and sets out key principles, features and WAG’s approach to the regulation of housing associations.
Press release & links
 
OFT: The OFT is urging shoppers to know their consumer rights when buying clothes for the Christmas party season or in New Year sales. Problems with clothes is consistently amongst the top 10 complaints received by Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed consumer advice service, and over 20,000 complaints have been received so far this year. January is the peak month for complaints about clothes which in 2011 were around 40% higher than during an average month.
 
When you buy clothes, even when they are in a sale, your purchase must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.  If this is not the case, the items are faulty and you are within your legal rights to ask for a refund, repair or replacement.
Press release & links
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