Legislation / Legal

BIS:  Edward Davey has announced a new Consumer Bill of Rights, which will streamline confusing and overlapping legislation & regulation, and provide stronger consumer protection.  The Bill will update the law for goods & services and for digital content, clarify the law on unfair contract terms, consolidate consumer powers for Trading Standards, and provide much stronger protection for vulnerable customers targeted by misleading aggressive sales practices. 

The Bill will bring together consumer rights currently found in 12 Acts or Regulations and the incoming European Consumer Rights Directive. It will be in simple English, making it easier for consumers & businesses to understand what is a complex and inconsistent area of law.

Press release & links

Directgov:  The government wants to reduce the period for which Employment and Support Allowance (or ESA) can be paid in some circumstances.  The change is part of the Welfare Reform Bill currently going through Parliament.  If passed, it could become law by April 2012 

If Parliament approves this change in the law, Jobcentre Plus will write to you before your contribution-based ESA ends, to tell you what you need to do.  Dependent on your income & savings you may become entitled to income-related ESA instead. You will not need to make a new claim, but Jobcentre Plus may have to ask you for more information. They will write to you before your benefit ends to tell you what to do to be considered for this.  Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to other benefits.

Press release & links

OFT:  The OFT has received a super-complaint from Consumer Focus about the cost of obtaining foreign currency and overseas use of credit & debit cards.  Consumer Focus identified three features which it has called on the OFT to investigate.  The OFT will shortly invite interested parties to provide any information which they consider may be useful to its assessment.

Press release & links

ScotGov:  The modernisation of 's vital crofting sector has taken an 'important step forward' with the second phase of the 2010 Crofting Reform Act’s commencement.  The purpose of this Second order is to commence all remaining provisions in the 2010 Act, with the exception of those relating to the new Crofting Register, which is presently being developed by the Registers of Scotland, and Section 52 on consolidating crofting law.

Press release & links

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