Consumers Archives

Research Briefing

Standardised packaging of tobacco products

Thursday, 22 January, 2015

This note gives an overview of the debate over standardised packaging. As such, it is not a comprehensive account of the different arguments used by those who support its use, and those who oppose it. Much more detail on these arguments is given in the Government’s summary report to its public consultation. Similarly, this note does not seek to evaluate the different views that have been expressed as to the impact that standardised packaging might have on public health, the incidence of smuggling, and the compliance costs to business.
Research Briefing

Consumer Rights Bill – Lords amendments

Friday, 19 December, 2014

This paper is designed to provide background information for Consideration of Lords Amendments of the Consumer Rights Bill, as brought from the House of Lords on 9 December 2014. This note, like the Lords Amendments themselves, refers to HL Bill 29, the Bill as first printed for the House of Lords. This note also refers to Explanatory Notes on Lords Amendments produced by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) in conjunction with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
- Research Briefing
- Consumers
Research Briefing

How much is a pint of milk? Food and drink consumption, expenditure and costs in the UK

Wednesday, 17 December, 2014

This afternoon’s Opposition Day debate on food banks and the cost of living promises to sustain focus upon the cost of food and drink in the UK. The debate follows publication of the All-Party Parliamentary Enquiry’s Feeding Britain report which, co-chaired by Rt Hon Frank Field MP and the Rt Revd Tim Thornton, examined hunger
Insight

How much is a pint of milk? Food and drink consumption, expenditure and costs in the UK

Wednesday, 17 December, 2014
Research Briefing

Consumer rights Bill: Progress of the Bill

Thursday, 08 May, 2014

This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Consumer Rights Bill. It complements Research Paper 14/5 prepared for Commons Second Reading.
- Research Briefing
- Consumers
Research Briefing

UK consumer credit regulation under the FCA

Friday, 07 March, 2014

This note describes the changeover of the regulatory regime for consumer credit from the Office of Fair Trading to the Financial Conduct Authority which will take place from 1 April 2014. It looks at changes to the treatment of various groups under the changeover and includes references to further information.
Research Briefing

Consumer Rights Bill

Monday, 27 January, 2014

This Research Paper has been produced to inform Second Reading debate on the Consumer Rights Bill, which was introduced to the House of Commons on 23 January 2014 and is due to have its Second Reading on 28 January 2014.
Research Briefing

Pay Day Loans

Thursday, 27 June, 2013

Payday loans: current regulatory reform and intitiatives
Research Briefing

Water bills and rateable values

Friday, 24 May, 2013

Members of the public often contact their water company or MP complaining that their water bill is much higher than their neighbour’s because of differences to the rateable value of the properties. However, rateable values cannot be changed. Opting for a water meter might be the best option for households seeking to reduce their water bill.
Research Briefing

EU Consumer Rights Directive

Tuesday, 16 April, 2013

This note provides a summary of the background to the CRD and an outline of its main provisions. It also considers how the Directive will be implemented in the UK and its implication for existing legislation. Detailed information on the Government’s proposal for a new Consumer Bill of Rights is provided in a separate Library note, SN/HA/6588 dated 21 March 2013.
- Research Briefing
- Consumers
Research Briefing

Horse Meat Controls and Regulations

Tuesday, 05 February, 2013

This note covers the controls in place to ensure any horse meat entering the food chain is fit for human consumption, including details of horse passports
Research Briefing

Food Prices and Affordability

Thursday, 11 October, 2012

Food prices have hit historic peaks in the last few years. This note sets out recent trends internationally, UK policy responses and the follow through to UK prices and spending habits.
Research Briefing

Energy complaints and the Energy Ombudsman

Tuesday, 09 October, 2012

This short note outlines complaints routes against energy companies.
Research Briefing

EU bibliographies: Consumer rights directive

Wednesday, 19 September, 2012

This Note brings together documents relevant to the proposed "Consumer Rights Directive" and its scrutiny in the UK and EU. It is not an attempt to define policy in this area. For information on policy developments contact Lorraine Conway on extn 5937. See also SN/HA/5097 Proposed Consumer Rights Directive
Research Briefing

Constituency casework: consumer protection

Wednesday, 23 May, 2012

This note provides a brief introduction to UK consumer protection law. Most importantly, it refers to sources of information that may be helpful to Members’ staff when dealing with straightforward questions.
- Research Briefing
- Consumers

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