Lack of awareness about new consumer rights

Over a third of people are unaware of the new Consumer Rights Act

A survey carried out by Which? found that 34 per cent of people were unaware of the new legislation, which came into force at the beginning of October.

This is in spite the fact that the new law expands the powers of enforcement agencies to tackle businesses who have fallen short of their obligations, and gives customers clearer rights on refunds and repairs.

The Government had argued that a shake-up of consumer rights was well overdue and the new Act was designed to enhance and clarify existing legislation.

Key changes include:

• Alternative dispute resolution is now available to businesses in all sectors.
• New rights and remedies for customers who buy faulty digital content
• New rules for when a service is not provided with reasonable care and skill, or as agreed.

For advice on business disputes arising from the new legislation, contact Stewart Wilkinson, Chris Rodda or Stephen Welfare.