WIREDGOV

“It is good news for customers that the Government has pledged to simplify consumers’ rights, and ministers must now work to get this Draft Bill onto the statute book quickly.

“Not only do customers find current regulations confusing and hard to use but, on a day when ministers are talking up growth, it’s important to note that bad consumer law acts as a dragweight on economic growth.

“In the past year, more than 10,000 people visited our advice website each month to get information about faulty goods, which clearly shows that consumers need a helping hand.  

“As well as simplifying existing rules, regulators should be able to crack down on dodgy practices by compelling businesses to give customers adequate compensation. Consumers should be given a clear 30 day window to get a full refund on any faulty product, and this information should be clearly displayed at the shop till.  

“The new legislation has to deliver clear, standardised rights for business and consumer alike, alongside full access to compensation for customers who are mistreated. If the legislation falls short on either of these tests then consumers will remain vulnerable to unscrupulous businesses”.

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, 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 information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
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. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk
3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.9 million problems from April 2011 to March 2012. For full 2011/2012 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,500 service outlets across England and Wales.