Free legal advice could change on issues concerning consumer protection

Consumers in need of free legal advice should be given more protection in the first place, according to an industry expert.

Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, was giving his thoughts after it was announced that the government is reviewing the responsibilities of taxpayer-funded bodies like the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Trading Standards Service.

"It's right that the government should do everything it can to support consumers, especially in these tough economic times. It's vital for consumer confidence - and economic growth - that consumer protection and competition law enforcement are as effective and efficient as possible," he added.

He went on to say that "only realistic demands" should be made of the frontline services which the likes of Trading Standards offer, as its budgets and resources are already being stretched.

Recently, Which? stated that banks should not be able to put prices up as a result of reforms, stating that people were "fed up" with paying for the financial industry's past failings.