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Online public services
As we accelerate towards a world of public services that are “digital by default”, will consumer needs, hopes and expectations be met? Consumer Focus commissioned social design agency thinkpublic to undertake detailed research in 2011 into what really matters to consumers. This website contains the full content of the report and manifesto, formatted to allow you to add your comments and feedback.
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Calling micro-business customers
One of our statutory duties is to be consumer advocate for domestic and micro-business customers. We have been receiving concerning feedback about the experience of micro-businesses in the electricity and gas markets. We are interested in hearing from you if you are a micro-business customer. See our latest blog for more details.
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Help us make a difference in 2012/13
We are asking our stakeholders what we should be doing on behalf of consumers in 2012/13. Your views are important to us and help us concentrate on those areas where we can make the most positive impact for consumers. We are grateful to everyone who takes the time to share those views.
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The hidden cost of holidays – super-complaint result
We welcome the measures announced by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to improve the foreign currency market for travellers. These improvements follow a super-complaint we issued to the OFT in September.
- @cfinvestigates Is your Saab warranty worth the paper it's written on? http://t.co/S0aVMoVR via @guardian More warnings to consumers if a company goes bust 2 hours ago
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Faster broadband must be followed up with honest advertising
2 February 2012
Responding to Ofcom’s new research on UK broadband speeds, Adam Scorer, Director of Policy and External Affairs at Consumer Focus, said: ‘It’s good news that customers are getting faster broadband speeds. But there is still often a very clear gap between the maximum speeds advertised by suppliers and what people actually receive. People don’t expect [...]
Government assurances on voluntary smart meter roll-out
1 February 2012
Following DECC confirmation of Government assurances that it will be voluntary rather than compulsory for households to have a smart energy meter fitted, Zoe McLeod, energy expert at Consumer Focus, said: ‘It is welcome that the Government has clarified that customers have a choice over whether they have a smart meter or not. Smart meters have [...]
January e-newsletter: The latest energy news, the lowdown on online public services and more
27 January 2012
This month:
- Energy news
- Post news
- What consumers think of online public services
- Downsides to digital
- What’s new from Consumer Focus – our latest research
- Behaviour change and CSR conferenceFinancial Services Bill announcement
27 January 2012
Responding to the announcement of the Financial Services Bill, Sarah Brooks, Director of Financial Services at Consumer Focus said: ‘This is a once in a generation opportunity to reform our financial regulation and it is vital we get it right. Consumers have been losing out for too long. It is important that the Bill ensures [...]
Government loses solar subsidy appeal
25 January 2012
Responding to the solar subsidy appeal decision today Liz Lainé, energy expert at Consumer Focus said: ‘Consumers want certainty on what to expect when they sign up for solar panels, or any other energy efficiency programme. An ongoing legal battle would be likely to undermine consumer confidence so we’d urge the Government to draw a [...]
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Filling the gaps – Accuracy of Green Deal advice for cavity-walled homes
13 January 2012
Consumer Focus is asking Government to take swift action to make changes to the way energy efficiency assessments treats cavity wall insulation. Consumer Focus has found that RdSAP, the Government’s energy efficiency assessment method, will never recommend cavity wall insulation for homes built after 1983, despite up to 2.3 million homes being built after this date with clear, unfilled cavity walls.
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Help us to make a difference in 2012/13
20 December 2011
We are asking our stakeholders what we should be doing on behalf of consumers in 2012/13. Consumer Focus Scotland and Consumer Focus Wales will be consulting on Scotland and Wales specific work areas. Consumer Focus works with a large number of stakeholders including other consumer bodies, campaigning charities, industry, regulators, governments, and the European Commission. [...]
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Warm Front – use it or lose it
31 January 2012
Making sure homes are properly insulated and have decent heating can make a big difference to reducing energy bills and keeping warm and well.
Fuel poverty is on the up in the UK with almost seven million households estimated to spend more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel. Did you know that Warm Front is the only Government-funded scheme to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in the poorest households in England? But the scheme is set for an underspend of up to £30 million this year. Older people, families and people with long-term health problems are the ones who will miss out on much-needed help. We’ve joined forces with National Energy Action to encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Warm Front to put in a claim.
Useful Tools and Services
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Energy Apps: Price Comparison tool
Consumer Focus’s Price Comparison tool enables you to compare gas and electricity prices in your area for all energy suppliers.