OFFICE OF FAIR
TRADING News Release (163/07) issued by The Government News Network
on 26 November 2007
The consultation
draft of the OFT's Annual Plan 2008-09 is published today,
and the OFT is seeking comments from interested parties on the
objectives and priorities set out in the plan.
Download acopy from the OFT website : http://www.oft.gov.uk.
The OFT's vision set out in last year's Annual Plan -
delivering high-impact outcomes, being a centre of excellence and
intelligence, achieving objectives in partnership and developing,
promoting and attracting the best talent to the organisation - is
reflected in the range of work that the OFT is currently
undertaking. This includes major competition cases such as those
involving British Airways and Virgin Atlantic on fuel surcharges,
certain major supermarkets and dairy processors, companies in the
construction industry and others which are not yet in the public
domain. The OFT has also begun proceedings in the High Court and a
market study on unauthorised overdraft charges by banks as well as
market studies on medicines distribution and on housebuilding.
Throughout 2008-9, we propose that we should continue to focus
activities and interventions on those areas which pose the
greatest threat to consumer welfare such as cartel behaviour,
abuse of market power, the use of unfair contract terms and
commercial practices, deceptive or misleading advertising, and
mass marketed scams and the actions of 'rogue' traders.
The OFT will do this against the background of very significant
legislative change as a result of the Consumer Protection from
Unfair Trading Regulations, the new Consumer Credit Act and the
new Money Laundering Regulations.
Philip Collins, OFT Chairman said:
'This year we have taken firm action using our competition
and consumer powers in markets which are not working well for
consumers. We will continue to do so to ensure vibrant competition
in open, well-functioning markets which benefit consumers,
reputable businesses and the UK economy. The draft plan identifies
key themes and areas for next year and provides a clear idea of
how we intend to deliver on our commitments to the Government,
consumers and businesses. We would like our stakeholders to
contribute to the development of our plan and I look forward to
hearing their views'.
NOTES
1. The closing date for comments is 18 February 2008. Comments
can be sent to
Neil Smart
Strategy and Planning team
The Office of Fair
Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury
Square
London
EC4Y 8JX
Tel: 020 7211 8894
neil.smart@oft.gsi.gov.uk
Responses to this consultation will be made public unless marked confidential.