The Consumer Rights Act 2015 becomes law on 1st October 2015, it is aimed to simplify, strengthen and modernise UK Consumer Legislation. They set out the basic rules which govern how consumers buy and businesses sell to them in the UK. The law will be clearer and easier to understand, meaning that consumers can buy and businesses can sell to them with confidence. On the rare occasions when problems arise, they will be able to sort out disputes more quickly and cheaply. The changes are relevant to all consumers and every business which sells directly to consumers. Under the Act, consumers and businesses will have clearer rights and responsibilities. These include:
- New rights for consumers to get a repair or a replacement of faulty digital content such as online film, games, music downloads and e-books. Currently the law is unclear and has failed to keep up with the huge demand for digital products.
- Consumers having a clear right to demand that substandard services are redone or failing that receive a price reduction.
- A 30-day time period to return faulty goods and get a full refund. The law is currently unclear on how long this period should last.
- Consumers being entitled to some money back after one failed repair of faulty goods (or one faulty replacement) even if more than 30 days have passed, rather than having to put up with repeated attempts to get a repair done.
- Consumers being able to challenge terms and conditions which are not fair or are hidden in the small print.
Businesses that sell goods and services to consumers now have access to a wealth of free information to help them comply with the new Act. A series of helpful guides has been created on the government backed businesscompanion.info website, written by expert contributors under the guidance of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
For further advice on how this may affect you as a consumer call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06. For business advice please contact Trading Standards on 01851 822694.
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