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 Forward Work Programme 2026-2027 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 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.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“Recent years have presented many challenges for consumers in Scotland - and those challenges continue to be pressing as current world events demonstrate.
“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.”
Consumer Scotland has also published a summary of feedback from a consultation on our draft Work Programme.
Background
Consumer Scotland Forward Work Programme 2026-2027
Summary of Responses to Consultation on 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.
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.