Consumer Scotland has published its latest Newsletter, highlighting the range of actions we have taken over the past few months to improve outcomes for consumers across the economy.
As winter approaches, consumers are facing the prospect of significant increases in energy costs, which in turn could drive rises in inflation in other markets. With energy debt already at a record high, many households face a difficult winter ahead as higher bills place further strain on already stretched budgets.
In this worrying context, Consumer Scotland has been working to protect consumers across Scotland.
Following our recommendation, from this winter around 250,000 additional households in Scotland will receive the Warm Home Discount automatically, and our work has been pivotal in the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce new energy support for people living with a terminal illness. We have been working with regulatory partners to protect consumers, helping inform the CMA’s heating oil recommendations and Ofgem’s proposals for energy debt relief.
Financial pressures can affect consumers in all areas of their spending, and we have highlighted the detriment associated with consumers who find themselves in water debt.
More broadly, we have strengthened the case for fairer postal services in island communities to protect people and small businesses, highlighted the importance of improved mobile phone coverage in Scotland, and set out the improvements needed to protect consumers when they buy used cars.
As we move into autumn, Consumer Scotland will continue to work to secure the changes needed to protect consumers, tackle detriment and improve outcomes for people, small businesses and communities across Scotland.
If you have any questions or want to discuss any of our work, please get in touch at comms@consumer.scot.
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