The actions Consumer Scotland will take to help consumers and small businesses across Scotland in the next year are set out in our latest work programme, published today.
The Work Programme 2025-2026 details our priorities across a range of policy areas including gas, electricity, heat networks, water and postal services - as well as across the wider economy.
Working collaboratively is central to our approach and our work programme has been shaped by a public consultation, the results of which have also been published today.
Consumer Scotland’s work in 2025-2026 will focus on four overarching outcomes for consumers:
- Fair and Affordable Markets: markets are fair and affordable for all consumers, including those in vulnerable circumstances
- Investing for the Future: investment decisions to develop or renew essential markets or infrastructure are based on consumers’ priorities and needs
- Trustworthy, High Quality Products and Services: the services that consumers use can be trusted to deliver what consumers value and expect and, protect them from harm
- Consumers at the Heart of Scotland’s Economy and Society: consumers are recognised as being central to achieving a flourishing Scotland, through increased wellbeing and sustainable and inclusive economic growth
For each of the workstreams we have set out the problem or opportunity we are seeking to address, what we will do and who we will work with, what we want to be done differently as a result and the impact this would have for consumers.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“Recent years have presented many challenges for consumers in Scotland. Inflation has fallen from its highs of 2022 and 2023, but it leaves a legacy of higher prices and concerns about consumer debt.
"Our work programme sets out how we will advance the interests of consumers in the forthcoming year, tackling deep-rooted challenges and bringing about positive, sustainable change.
"We would like to thank all those who contributed to the public consultation on our draft work programme which has helped shape our final work programme.
“We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with stakeholders across the consumer landscape during the next year to help achieve positive changes for consumers.”
Background
Consumer Scotland Work Programme 2025-2026
Summary of Responses to Consultation on Draft Work Programme 2025-2026
Consumer Scotland is the statutory body for consumers in Scotland. We advocate on behalf of consumers and represent consumer interests. We are a Non-Ministerial Office, accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
Under the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 Consumer Scotland must publish an annual forward work programme setting out its priorities for the year and lay it before the Scottish Parliament.