Consumer Scotland has launched an online survey to help develop our Draft Work Programme 2025-2026.
The draft work programme, published today, sets out our priorities for the coming year across a range of policy areas including energy, heat networks, water and postal services, as well as within the wider economy.
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 for next year.
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.
The consultation survey runs until Monday 17th February and our final work programme will be published in March and laid before the Scottish Parliament.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“Recent years have presented many challenges for consumers in Scotland. As we enter 2025 inflation has fallen from its highs of 2022 and 2023, but it leaves a legacy of higher prices and concerns about consumer debt.
“In many markets consumers have a high degree of choice, but they can be exposed to risks, including poor quality goods and services and a lack of transparency around prices and terms and conditions.
“Our draft 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 want to hear from all those with an interest in consumer issues to help us focus our work and shape our final work programme.”
Background
Consumer Scotland Draft Work Programme 2025-2026
Draft Work Programme Consultation Survey 2025-2026
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.
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.