STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans for a crackdown on misleading retail discounts and unwanted subscription renewals as part of the Government’s cost of living programme. Ministers intend to consult on adding practices such as false previous prices, invented discounts and misleading recommended retail prices to the list of commercial practices that are explicitly prohibited under consumer law.
The Government also intends to bring new protections for subscription customers into force from January 2027. Businesses will be required to provide clearer information before customers sign up, send reminders before renewals and make cancellation easier. Consumers will also receive a new 14-day cooling-off period after a free or discounted trial ends or after certain longer-term subscriptions renew.
The British Retail Consortium said major retailers already comply with rules requiring promotions to offer genuine savings. Conservatives said parts of the package implement measures originating in legislation passed under the previous Government, while the Liberal Democrats called for stronger action in other areas of household costs. Burnham said further cost of living measures would follow.