• Research Briefing

    Standardised packaging of tobacco products

    This note gives an overview of the debate over standardised packaging. As such, it is not a comprehensive account of the different arguments used by those who support its use, and those who oppose it. Much more detail on these arguments is given in the Government’s summary report to its public consultation. Similarly, this note does not seek to evaluate the different views that have been expressed as to the impact that standardised packaging might have on public health, the incidence of smuggling, and the compliance costs to business.

  • Research Briefing

    Consumer Rights Bill – Lords amendments

    This paper is designed to provide background information for Consideration of Lords Amendments of the Consumer Rights Bill, as brought from the House of Lords on 9 December 2014. This note, like the Lords Amendments themselves, refers to HL Bill 29, the Bill as first printed for the House of Lords. This note also refers to Explanatory Notes on Lords Amendments produced by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) in conjunction with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

  • Research Briefing

    UK consumer credit regulation under the FCA

    This note describes the changeover of the regulatory regime for consumer credit from the Office of Fair Trading to the Financial Conduct Authority which will take place from 1 April 2014. It looks at changes to the treatment of various groups under the changeover and includes references to further information.

  • Research Briefing

    Consumer Rights Bill

    This Research Paper has been produced to inform Second Reading debate on the Consumer Rights Bill, which was introduced to the House of Commons on 23 January 2014 and is due to have its Second Reading on 28 January 2014.

  • Research Briefing

    Water bills and rateable values

    Members of the public often contact their water company or MP complaining that their water bill is much higher than their neighbour’s because of differences to the rateable value of the properties. However, rateable values cannot be changed. Opting for a water meter might be the best option for households seeking to reduce their water bill.

  • Research Briefing

    EU Consumer Rights Directive

    This note provides a summary of the background to the CRD and an outline of its main provisions. It also considers how the Directive will be implemented in the UK and its implication for existing legislation. Detailed information on the Government’s proposal for a new Consumer Bill of Rights is provided in a separate Library note, SN/HA/6588 dated 21 March 2013.

  • Research Briefing

    EU bibliographies: Consumer rights directive

    This Note brings together documents relevant to the proposed "Consumer Rights Directive" and its scrutiny in the UK and EU. It is not an attempt to define policy in this area. For information on policy developments contact Lorraine Conway on extn 5937. See also SN/HA/5097 Proposed Consumer Rights Directive

  • Research Briefing

    Credit Reference Agencies

    This note outlines the operation and regulation of credit reference agencies. From April 2014 there will be a new activity of providing credit references that will replace the current activity of operating a credit reference agency. It also looks at the law surrounding the data which the agencies have access to.

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