Research Briefing
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
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
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
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
This note covers the controls in place to ensure any horse meat entering the food chain is fit for human consumption, including details of horse passports
Research Briefing
Food prices have hit historic peaks in the last few years. This note sets out recent trends internationally, UK policy responses and the follow through to UK prices and spending habits.
Research Briefing
This short note outlines complaints routes against energy companies.
Research Briefing
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
This note provides a brief introduction to UK consumer protection law. Most importantly, it refers to sources of information that may be helpful to Members’ staff when dealing with straightforward questions.
Research Briefing
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.
Research Briefing
The Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [HL] is subject to the fast-track procedure. The Bill was introduced into the House of Lords where it had its Second Reading debate on 24 April 2012. It is expected to complete its remaining stages in the House of Lords on 26 April 2012 and then to be introduced in the House of Commons. All stages of the Bill are expected to take place in the House of Commons on just one day, 30 April 2012. Given these time constraints, this Paper has been published after the Bill’s Second Reading in the House of Lords but before its consideration in Committee.
Research Briefing
This note looks at the ATOL scheme, focusing on the weaknesses of the ATOL model and the deficit funding of the ATTF. It considers in detail the proposed ATOL reforms contained in secondary and primary legislation. Finally, it also considers EU initiatives for reform to travel law.
Research Briefing
The purpose of this note is to provide more detailed information about the background to this Bill.
Research Briefing
The purpose of this note is to provide an overview of the background too, and the main features of, the revised OFT guidance.
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