Summary and Background Advice and consultations
15.The University of East Anglia concluded in 2008 that the UK consumer protection regime had two key weaknesses – uneven enforcement and excessively complex law(5). A call for evidence in the Consumer Law Review in 2008 revealed strong support across the board for consolidating consumer legislation, making it clearer and more accessible(6). Respondents highlighted a number of benefits that a rewrite would bring – removing discrepancies and inconsistencies, greater use of plain English, greater awareness of rights, remedies and obligations, greater flexibility, future proofing and aiding business growth.
16.A number of consultations and academic research papers over several years have examined proposals that form part of this Act. A single Government response to BIS consultations between March and November 2012 and a report by the Law Commissions of March 2013 (detailed below) was published alongside a draft Bill with accompanying explanatory notes. The draft Bill was scrutinised by the House of Commons Business Innovation and Skills Committee. The Committee published a report in December 2013(7).