The new Consumer Rights Legislation: don’t get left on the shelf!

In what is thought to embody the most significant overhaul of consumer law for decades, the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) was brought into force on 1 October 2015.

The Act, which has been warmly received by many consumer rights groups, is intended to make it easier for people to understand and make use of their rights, and clearly sets out in one place the rules which govern how consumers buy and businesses sell to them in the UK.

The improvements cover:

• what should happen when goods are faulty
• unfair terms in a contract
• what happens when a business is acting in a way which isn’t competitive
• written notice for routine inspections to be given by public enforcers, such as Trading Standards
• greater flexibility for public enforcers to respond to breaches of consumer law, such as seeking redress for consumers who have suffered harm

Whilst aiming to modernise and simplify the current law, the CRA also brings with it completely new rights on the use of digital content, and sets out the remedies available if a service is not carried out with reasonable care and skill.

If you would like more information on your new rights as a consumer or business, contact info@charlesfrenchlaw.co.uk.