The Government has proposed a new Consumer Bill of Rights which will streamline existing legislation. Twelve overlapping pieces of legislation including the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations and the incoming European Consumer Rights Directive are to be consolidated into one set of rules. It will be in simple English, making it easier for consumers and businesses to understand what is a complex and inconsistent area of law.
The Bill will update the law for goods and services and for digital content, clarify the law on unfair contract terms, consolidate consumer powers for Trading Standards, and provide much stronger protection for vulnerable customers targeted by misleading aggressive sales practices.
The Government plans to consult on the new Consumer Bill of Rights in late 2011 or early 2012.
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