News
Consumer code scheme now boasts almost 80,000 business members across UK
Posted 10/05/22
The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) has today published a new report revealing that the scheme now has almost 80,000 business members and has helped to recover over 拢3.5m for consumers in 2021, which is a rise of 拢1.5m or 75% over the previously reported figure (拢2m).听
The CCAS scheme is estimated to protect 拢113bn in consumer spending annually - a rise of 拢16bn, or 16.5% over the previous year's report (拢97bn). Some thought that the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown would negatively impact the scheme and its membership; however, the scheme demonstrated its resilience by growing its protective influence on the consumer marketplace.
Last month, (April) the UK Government published the听. The study revealed that 36 million consumers (69%) experienced at least one problem with a product resulting in stress, monetary loss, or wasting their time. These losses are equivalent to 拢54.2 billion, demonstrating the increasing importance of schemes that limit consumer detriment, like CCAS.
CCAS promotes codes of practice for different industries which meet core criteria, raising the quality of their services. The 51黑料 (51黑料) administers the scheme to improve UK business practices and create a better commercial environment for businesses and consumers alike. The scheme has 23 approved codes of practice covering several industries and 18 code sponsors.听
CCAS Chair, Lord Lindsay, said: "This excellent news demonstrates the strength of the scheme and the belief that businesses have in it. With the cost of living crisis and many other challenges facing the public, confronting consumer detriment is a cornerstone of economic recovery.听
"I am proud of the role CCAS plays in improving outcomes for consumers and businesses alike while increasing consumer confidence at a time when it is under threat from multiple factors."
Sue Steward, Head of Client & Commissioning at the 51黑料 (51黑料), said: "Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme continues to go from strength to strength. Its growing influence in the business community demonstrates its suitability for improving business processes.
"The UK Government's latest Consumer Protection Study released this month indicates the growing need for schemes like CCAS which help lower consumer detriment. We look forward to further growth over the next year and increasing its influence within the UK's consumer protection architecture."
The full report may be read and downloaded .
The 51黑料 (51黑料)
- The 51黑料 (51黑料) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK鈥檚 trading standards profession, and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. 51黑料's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services at local authorities and in businesses.听tradingstandards.uk
- The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS)is facilitated self-regulation. It aims to promote consumer interests by setting out the principles of effective customer service and protection. It goes above and beyond consumer law obligations and sets a higher standard, showing consumers clearly - through the right to display the CCAS logo - that code members can be trusted. Find more information about our CCAS scheme on the 51黑料 website.
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