Published: 7 February 2012
Audrey Gallacher, Director of Energy at Consumer Focus, said: ‘We welcome the move by E.ON to change its Direct Debit policy. It is a victory for common sense and hopefully the first of many steps the company will take in its Reset Review programme to improve the experience of its customers. ‘With this in mind [...]
Published: 26 January 2011
Consumer Focus is today urging customers who have yet to take advantage of their refund from npower for gas bill overpayments in 2007, to claim their share of more than £20 million still up for grabs. On 1 October 2010 npower and Consumer Focus announced that the firm would be offering £70 million of refunds [...]
Published: 25 January 2011
Responding to the announcement that the OFT is to launch a market study into the supply of energy to homes that are off-grid, Andrew Hallett, energy expert at Consumer Focus, said: ‘This investigation into the market for supplying energy to households not on the gas network is welcome but long overdue. Every consumer has faced [...]
Published: 25 January 2011
In response to the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) review of product regulation and its calls for greater consumer protection, Sarah Brooks, head of financial services at Consumer Focus said: ‘With so much attention being focused on the structure of the banking industry, it is crucial to bring the spotlight back to ordinary consumers and how [...]
Published: 20 January 2011
Philip Cullum, Deputy Chief Executive, Consumer Focus Consumer protection under the coalition Government: The future for Trading Standards House Magazine Westminster briefing, 20 January 2011
Published: 20 January 2011
Adam Scorer, Director of External Affairs at Consumer Focus, said: ‘Broadband customers in rural areas where BT is the only provider will be pleased to be able to access cheaper broadband. This is a very welcome move by Ofcom. However, in some remote areas people are still waiting for broadband to reach them and many [...]
Published: 13 January 2011
In response to the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) announcement that motor insurers have agreed to limit data exchange, Rupert Roker, policy expert at Consumer Focus said: ‘Consumer Focus welcomes the OFT’s announcement that motor insurance companies will be prevented from sharing this type of information as they have in the past. ‘A motor insurer [...]
Published: 12 January 2011
In response to moves by British Gas to make £50 payment to its essentials discounted tariff customers and invest £20 million in the British Gas Energy Trust, which helps people who are struggling with household debts, Audrey Gallacher, Head of Energy at Consumer Focus, said: ‘British Gas customers on the lowest incomes will benefit from [...]
Published: 11 January 2011
In response to the Financial Service Authority (FSA) fining Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) over its complaints handling, Oliver Morgans, financial services expert at Consumer Focus said: ‘The FSA suggests that if you called RBS with a complaint there was less than a 50 per cent chance that it was dealt with fairly. Calling your [...]
Published: 11 January 2011
Responding to E.ON’s price rises of 9% for electricity and 3% for gas, Richard Hall, energy expert at Consumer Focus, said: ‘E.ON’s customers will, sadly, not be shocked that it has followed in the footsteps of other suppliers’ price increases1. However the fact that these rises aren’t unexpected won’t make it any easier for cash-strapped [...]
Published: 6 January 2011
Consumer Focus welcomes today’s action by Ofgem and recognises that National Grid Gas took responsibility for reporting the problem when it arose, Richard Hall, Energy expert at Consumer Focus, said: ‘This fine sends a welcome message that there are big consequences for energy firms which break the rules. The need for robust monitoring by Ofgem [...]
Published: 21 December 2010
On Monday 13 December 2010, we hosted a debate called - Consumer Focus and the Independent Commission on Banking debate: The future of banking As part of the Independent Commission on Banking’s review of the structure of the banking market, the debate looked into the connected issues of competition, choice and financial inclusion, covering key questions including: How can we ensure [...]
Published: 20 December 2010
Ups and down(load)s: Consumer experiences of buying digital goods and services online This Christmas it’s predicted that £6.4 billion will be spent online in the UK. The current consumer protection framework does not fit well with the growing consumer demand for digital products. Unlike a CD or DVD that is delivered to your door, digital [...]
Published: 17 December 2010
Following continued high heating oil prices, which have outstripped crude oil prices, Consumer Focus is calling for the OFT to determine why the price of heating oil varies so much across the country. Audrey Gallacher, Head of Energy at Consumer Focus, said: ‘Rocketing heating oil prices are causing major worry for hundreds of thousands of [...]
Published: 17 December 2010
Consumers who buy digital music, films and computer software are more likely to lose out when things go wrong because they do not have the same legal protections as people buying CDs or DVDs, warns Consumer Focus. A new survey published today by the consumer watchdog found that over half of people buying digital goods, [...]
Published: 17 December 2010
Responding to the announcement today of stamp price rises of 5p to First Class stamps and 4p to Second Class stamps, Philip Cullum, Deputy Chief Executive at Consumer Focus, said: ‘This latest increase in stamp prices could add at least £30million to the cost of people’s Christmas post next year. Consumers will be extremely disappointed [...]
Published: 2 February 2012
Responding to Ofcom’s new research on UK broadband speeds, Annie McGovern, Digital Expert at Consumer Focus Scotland, said: ‘It’s good news that the Ofcom research shows customers are getting faster broadband speeds but many people across Scotland will take some convincing. There is still a digital divide in Scotland between the speeds people can get [...]
Published: 31 January 2012
Annie McGovern, digital expert at Consumer Focus Scotland said: “Consumers in Scotland want fast and reliable broadband services and to be able to keep pace with all the new fantastic technology developments the 21st century will offer. Having the right infrastructure in place is absolutely critical to doing this. “These commitments by the Scottish [...]
Published: 25 January 2012
More work needed to make Green Deal right for consumers The success of the UK government’s Green Deal – the new scheme intended to transform the energy efficiency of homes and businesses and lower fuel bills – needs more work for consumers in Scotland to be convinced. In response to the UK government’s ‘Green Deal [...]
Published: 24 January 2012
Consumer watchdog response to post office deal Responding to the UK government’s announcement 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, Sarah O’Neill, Director of Policy at Consumer Focus Scotland said: “This ten year [...]
Published: 24 January 2012
Trisha McAuley, Deputy Director at Consumer Focus Scotland said: “It is good news that water charges are not going up. Households budgets are under a lot of pressure with the high cost of basic items such as energy and food so consumers need to see value for money from their public services and will expect [...]
Published: 6 February 2012
In a report Staying Local: the Future of the Post Office Network, the consumer watchdog found that while there are clear benefits for customers in PO Locals, consumers also have concerns.
Published: 2 February 2012
Consumer Focus Wales is calling on consumers to back their campaign to make changes to food law in Wales.
Published: 31 January 2012
Consumer Focus Wales has asked AMs to support action to protect people who live in park homes from financial abuse by rogue site owners.
Published: 18 January 2012
“More than two in every five Welsh consumers have never switched their energy supplier. Many of those who have switched have done so just once, switching from separate gas and electricity suppliers to a dual fuel deal. That means as many as eight out of ten households in Wales could be paying more than they need to heat their homes." - Lindsey Kearton, Consumer Focus Wales.
Published: 9 January 2012
We believe that these goals, which have been drawn from our major consultation exercise with consumers in all corners of Wales – will provide a fitting legacy for all the hard work undertaken by Consumer Focus Wales.
Published: 5 February 2012
A new report published today by Consumer Focus Post – called ‘Consumer Friendly Post Offices?’1 – examines how well the Post Office network is meeting the needs of Northern Ireland consumers. The new findings show that post offices are well-used and valued, with four in 10 consumers visiting the post office once a week, increasing [...]
Published: 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, Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy at Consumer Focus Post said: ‘We welcome this announcement by Edward Davey – a ten year [...]
Published: 5 December 2011
Consumer Focus Post is calling for people to think about posting cards and presents and ordering online Christmas shopping earlier this year. Many people may be risking Christmas disappointment by posting their Christmas mail and doing their online Christmas shopping at the last minute. Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy at Consumer Focus Post said: [...]
Published: 24 October 2011
Responding to Simon Hamilton MLA’s call today for drivers in Northern Ireland to be allowed to renew their car tax online, Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy at Consumer Focus Post, ‘Consumers in Northern Ireland need a range of options for renewing their car tax, or indeed accessing any government service. Access both online and [...]
Published: 20 October 2011
Responding to Ofcom proposals on regulation of the postal service, Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy, Consumer Focus Post, said: ‘The proposals made by Ofcom today suggest major change for the future of Northern Ireland’s postal service. We must ensure the right balance between putting Royal Mail on a stable footing and ensuring value and [...]
