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Consumer Policy


Displaying 1 to 25 of 25 results
DescriptionURNPublishedFormatAction
A fair deal for all. Extending competitive markets: empowered consumers, successful business. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Consumer strategy for the next decade, setting out a new regime to promote open, competitive markets, empower consumers, simplify the law for business and consumers, make it easier to resolve problems and ensure a fair and safe trade environment.

Internet only
05/130320-06-2005 A4
24 Pages
Benchmarking the performance of the UK framework supporting consumer empowerment through comparison against relevant international comparator countries. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Report prepared for BERR by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Competition Policy. Benchmarks the performance of the UK framework supporting consumer empowerment by comparing it with the frameworks existing in other comparative countries, namely: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain and the US.

Internet only
09/65409-02-2009 A4
522 Pages
Better choices: better deals. Consumers powering growth. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

The Government’s consumer empowerment strategy. Sets out what Government and others can do to help increase consumer power in a rapidly changing and demanding economy. Aims to put consumers in charge so that they are better able to get the best deals for themselves, individually and collectively. Looks at ways of helping the most vulnerable and disadvantaged who may not otherwise benefit from rapid technological and social change. Working in partnership with businesses, consumer groups and third sector bodies, it will contribute to economic growth by putting information and influence into the hands of consumers.

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11/74913-04-2011 A4
53 Pages
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BMRB telephone omnibus survey: consumer rights survey. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Full results of research from BMRB commissioned by BIS to conduct a survey into consumers’ understanding of their legal rights. Includes tables for the 8 questions and sample analysis. The omnibus survey interviewed adults across Great Britain during August 2009 as part of ongoing research by BIS to help develop its ‘Know your consumer rights’ awareness campaign. See URN 09/1264 for the summary report.

Internet only
09/126314-09-2009 A4
109 Pages
Call for evidence: on EU proposals on alternative dispute resolution (ADR). (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Sought views from UK stakeholders on EU proposals that aim to improve the availability and accessibility of out-of-court dispute resolution schemes by consumers and business. Covers the likely impacts to UK businesses, consumers and the operators of existing dispute resolution schemes, including ombudsman schemes. These views will help inform the UK negotiating position. Responses were due by 31 January 2012. See URN 12/674 for the government response.

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11/137221-12-2011 A4
25 Pages
Comparative report on consumer policy regimes: country reports: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, European Union and summary table. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Country reports and data of a study examining and analysing the consumer policy regimes of the UK and nine other OECD countries.

Internet only
03/191901-10-2003 A4
212 Pages
Consolidation and simplification of UK consumer law. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Research report for BIS. Makes recommendations on how the various pieces of legislation on the sale and supply of goods and services to consumers could be consolidated and simplified consistent with the proposed Consumer Rights Directive.

Internet only
10/125504-11-2010 A4
222 Pages
Consultation on EU proposals for a consumer rights directive. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Closed consultation requesting comments on the European Commission's proposal bringing together the Doorstep Selling, Unfair Contract Terms, Distance Selling and Sale of Goods and Associated Guarantees Directives in a single horizontal directive. See also impact assessments URN 08/1427. Consultation period ended 2 February 2009. See Government response 09/988.

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08/135710-11-2008 A4
52 Pages
Consumer landscape review: impact assessment. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Assesses the costs and benefits of proposals in the consultation on institutional changes for provision of consumer information, education, advocacy and enforcement (URN 11/970). Includes separate impact assessments for the transfer of functions, cessation of the consumer code approval scheme, transferring advocacy responsibilities, and transferring enforcement powers.

Internet only
11/98121-06-2011 A4
91 Pages
Consumer rights in digital products. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Research report for the Department that analyses whether current consumer protection legislation applies to digital products, primarily downloads. Relates to the Governments commitment to apply a high level of consumer protection to the sale of digital products.

Internet only
10/112530-09-2010 A4
76 Pages
Consumer rights study: summary report. August 2009 (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Summary of research by BMRB commissioned by BIS to conduct a survey into consumers’ understanding of their legal rights. Provides an overview of responses to the questions. The omnibus survey interviewed adults across Great Britain during August 2009 as part of ongoing research by BIS to help develop its ‘Know your consumer rights’ awareness campaign. See URN 09/1263 for the full results of the survey.

Internet only
09/126414-09-2009 A4
5 Pages
Empowering and protecting consumers. Consumer landscape review: impact assessments on enforcement, advocacy, advice and education. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Assesses the cost and benefits of proposals in the government response to the consultation on reforms to the UK's consumer institutions. Includes three separate impact assessments covering enforcement powers, advocacy responsibilities, and information, advice and education functions. See URN 11/970 for the consultation document and 12/510 for the Government response.

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12/63711-04-2012 A4
66 Pages
Empowering and protecting consumers: consultation on institutional changes for provision of consumer information, education, advocacy and enforcement. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Sought views on the Government's proposed reforms to the UK's consumer institutions. The proposals aim to strengthen the front line of consumer empowerment and protection, reduce the complexity of consumer landscape and deliver consumer services more cost effectively. The welsh language summary is URN 11/1090. Consultation period ended 27 September 2011, see 12/510 for the Government response and 12/637 for related impact assessments.

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11/97021-06-2011 A4
99 Pages
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EU consumer rights directive: distance and off-premises selling, and consumer remedies [impact assessments]. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Regulatory impact assessments relating to the consultation on the European Commission's proposed consumer rights directive (URN 08/1357). See also Government response 09/988.

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08/142710-11-2008 A4
31 Pages
Government response to call for evidence: EU proposals on alternative dispute resolution. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Analyses responses from UK stakeholders to the call for evidence on EU proposals on alternative dispute resolution (URN 11/1372). Also provides the Government response for each question. The proposals aim to improve the availability and accessibility of the use of out-of-court dispute resolution schemes for contractual disputes between consumers and business.

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12/67404-05-2012 A4
27 Pages
Grymuso a diogelu defnyddwyr: ymgynghori ar newidiadau sefydliadol ar gyfer darparu gwybodaeth, cyngor, addysg, eiriolaeth a dulliau gorfodi i ddefnyddwyr. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Welsh language summary version of the 'Consumer landscape review' (URN 11/970), seeking views on proposals to reform the current institutional arrangements to ensure consumer advice, representation and enforcement are delivered effectively and efficiently. Consultation period ended 27 September 2011.

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11/109022-07-2011 A4
14 Pages
Implementing the EU regulation on consumer protection co-operation. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Closed consultation. Seeks views on how the EU regulation on consumer protection co-operation should be implemented in the UK. This includes discussion of which bodies should be directly involved in the cross-border network; the enforcement powers these bodies will need; and how the consumer protection community can effectively co-operate to tackle cross border infringements of consumer laws. Consultation period ended 3 October 2005.

Internet only
05/136104-07-2005 A4
40 Pages
Implementing the EU regulation on consumer protection cooperation: response to a public consultation on the consumer protection cooperation regulation. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Public response to consultation implementing the EU regulation on consumer protection co-operation [URN 05/1361].

Internet only
05/195422-12-2005 A4
12 Pages
Implementing the EU regulation on consumer protection cooperation: response to a public consultation on the on-site inspection power of the consumer protection cooperation regulation. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Government response to second consultation on implementation of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) regulation.

Internet only
06/187718-09-2006 A4
15 Pages
Report for BERR on the 2008 consumer conditions survey. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Ipsos MORI report for BERR on a market research survey of consumer conditions in 45 private goods and services markets within the UK. It covers perceptions of consumer confidence, transparency, complaints, and looks at channels of purchase and vulnerable consumers.

Internet only
08/122417-11-2008 A4
48 Pages
Retail harmonisation survey. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Report from ICM commissioned by BERR. Survey within the retail sector of the potential impact on consumers resulting from the introduction of the EU-wide Consumer Rights Directive which aims to harmonise consumer redress legislation across member states. Under the proposal, UK consumers would lose their rights to reject faulty goods and to choose between replacement or repair of a faulty good, this right being transferred to retailers. Report aims to assess qualitatively whether there is likely to be significant detriment to consumers post-Consumer Rights Directive based on the costs and competitive constraints faced by retailers.

Internet only
09/93205-05-2009 A4
35 Pages
Review of the eight EU consumer acquis Minimum Harmonisation Directives and their implementation in the UK and analysis of the scope for simplification. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Research report carried out by academics into the implementation in the UK of eight EU directives on consumer protection law and analysis of the scope for simplification.

Internet only
05/195209-02-2006 A4
208 Pages
Review of the eight EU consumer acquis Minimum Harmonisation Directives and their implementation in the UK and analysis of the scope for simplification. Executive summary. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

Executive summary of a report on research carried out by academics into the implementation in the UK of eight EU directives on consumer protection law and analysis of the scope for simplification.

Internet only
05/195109-02-2006 A4
21 Pages
UK Government’s response to the EU Commission’s green paper on the review of the consumer acquis. (PDF) (link opens in a new window)

The response of the UK Government to the EU Commission's green paper reviewing eight of the EU consumer protection directives. The green paper sets out various options for reform of the existing consumer protection framework.

Internet only
07/107031-05-2007 A4
38 Pages
United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (the Vienna Sales Convention): a consultation document.

Closed consultation. Seeks the views of interested parties on whether the UK should satisfy the Vienna Sales Convention. It provides the text of the convention together with an analysis of its terms. The period for consultation has passed.

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97/87519-09-1997 A4
89 Pages
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