Consumer Scotland has launched an online survey to help shape our work programme for next year.
The Draft Work Programme 2026-2027, published today, sets out our priorities to deliver better outcomes for consumers across a range of policy areas including energy, heat networks, water and postal services, as well as in the wider economy.
Specific issues that Consumer Scotland will tackle on behalf of consumers include investigating Scotland’s used car market, tackling water debt and water poverty, advocating for more affordable energy bills and promoting an effective system for recall of goods.
Other projects cover small businesses, financial services, improving outcomes for tenants, supporting consumers on heat networks, advocating for affordable postal services, tackling barriers to the take-up of Electric Vehicles and improving access to low carbon home heating systems.
We will also continue to promote the Consumer Duty to support the delivery of effective public service reform as well as supporting delivery partners to provide effective advice and support to consumers who need it.
Working collaboratively is central to our approach and all those with an interest in consumer issues are invited to give feedback through the online survey to inform our priorities.
The survey runs until Thursday 19 February and the final work programme will be published in March and laid before the Scottish Parliament.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“Consumers have to navigate complex markets on a daily basis covering everything from financial services and telecoms to buying a car, renting a home or paying their energy or water bills.
“Our draft Work Programme is focused on improving consumers’ confidence to engage in markets, making them work for people.
“With the cost of living crisis’s legacy of higher prices and consumer debt we will advocate for action to reduce consumer harm, promote the long-term wellbeing and security benefits of sustainable consumption, and advance inclusion and fairness in the economy.
“This agenda can support governments and regulators to improve markets and services, helping underpin a healthy, strong economy.
"We want to hear from all those with an interest in consumer issues to help us shape our final work programme.”
Background
Draft Work Programme 2026-2027
Consumer Scotland’s work in 2026-2027 will focus on five overarching outcomes for consumers:
- Reducing consumer harm
- Increasing consumer confidence
- Improving consideration of consumer issues by public bodies
- Promoting sustainable consumption
- Advancing inclusion, fairness, prosperity and wellbeing
For each workstream 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.
Feedback can also be sent by email to corporateservices@consumer.scot or by writing to:
Consumer Scotland
Thistle House
91 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5HD
Consumer Scotland was established in 2022 as 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.