-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
- @CFenergy Great day at Stoke CC talking #greendeal marketing. Can you help us improve u/standing of role of comfort? See ITT on http://t.co/d4zhdSFd 2 hours ago
Follow us on
Latest News RSS
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 conferenceGovernment 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 [...]
Warm Front energy help scheme getting a frosty reception
25 January 2012
Consumer Focus and National Energy Action are warning that the UK Government’s flagship scheme to help the poorest households in England to make their homes warmer and cut their energy bills, is set for up to a £30 million underspend this year. This means many older people, families and people with long-term health problems will [...]
Ed Davey announcement on future of post offices
24 January 2012
Responding to the news that Royal Mail and Post Office Limited (POL) have agreed a commercial arrangement that will provide a significant amount of security for the network over the next ten years, Mike O’Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus said: ‘We welcome this announcement by Edward Davey – a ten year deal is good [...]
Millions of customers missing out on big savings on their energy bill
18 January 2012
Consumer Focus and Energy UK are urging consumers to take one simple step to call their supplier and find out how much they could save on their energy bills, by better insulating their home and checking they are on the best tariff or payment method. The call comes during Big Energy Week, as millions of [...]
Latest Publications RSS
-
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.
-
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. [...]
Consumer Focus BlogRSS
-
What do energy consumers face in 2012?
20 January 2012
It’s Big Energy Week, so it seemed worth looking ahead to see what consumers face in what could be a big energy year. In 2011 you probably saw your energy bills go up. The average energy bill rose over 21 per cent, and the number of customers entering new debt repayment arrangements rose by 20 per cent and 25 per cent for gas and electricity customers respectively.
Useful Tools and Services
-
Energy Apps: Help Finder tool
Consumer Focus’s Help Finder tool shows grants, discounts, free energy help and assistance you may be entitled to based on your circumstances.