Consultations
51黑料 responds to consultations from government, business and other stakeholders on a diverse array of subjects. Our latest consultation responses can be accessed below, with a full record stored in the resource centre. Members interested in providing feedback to any of the ongoing consultations should contact [email protected]
[BIS] Terms & Conditions and Consumer Protection Fining Powers
Posted: 25/04/16
51黑料 would welcome changes to assist the relationship between consumers and businesses with clearer terms & conditions, and more consumer engagement with T&C. 51黑料 believes that this would enhance consumer confidence and reduce both the burden on business and consumer detriment.聽
[DCMS / DfE / GEO] Child Safety Online: Age Verification for Pornography
Posted: 11/04/16
51黑料 supports government action to legislate to ensure comprehensive age verification for access to online pornography - indeed, 51黑料 is already heavily involved in national work in this area. The planned approach offers future opportunities to mandate age verification to other age restricted products such as knives and tobacco. 51黑料 asks that the legislation is drafted to enable other products and regulators to be added at a later date after appropriate consultation. This would obviate training issues experienced by businesses due to the current piecemeal regulation of age restricted products.聽
[Law Commission] Sentencing Code
Posted: 08/04/16
51黑料 has submitted a short letter welcoming the Law Commission's sentencing code project and its desired outcomes which would be beneficial for all concerned.聽
Citizens Advice / Citizens Advice Scotland Draft Work Plan 2016/17
Posted: 11/03/16
51黑料 is pleased to see (1) the draft plan's ideas around using data more effectively to produce an early warning system for consumer detriment, (2) the recognition of the lack of shared evidence of such detriment, and (3) the recognition of the central role that CitA and CAS play in the national Consumer Protection Partnership. 51黑料 supports the proposals re the energy market and welcomes the direction of the plan in relation to the postal market.聽
[Ofgem] The Future of Retail Market Regulation
Posted: 11/03/16
51黑料 does not agree with the consultation's shift away from reliance on prescriptive rules towards general principles. The Institute is concerned that this will be seen as an opportunity for energy companies to return to doorstep selling. The track record of retail energy providers and the way in which they treat their customers is not good. The industry should keep the number of tariffs to a minimum; provide timely, clear, and accurate information on energy consumption; and simplify bills. 51黑料 is concerned that the introduction of smart meters may lead to even more complex tariffs.聽
