Legal advice: Govt 'to streamline and simplify consumer rights'

The government has announced a new bill that aims to streamline and simplify people's consumer rights, which could benefit those seeking legal advice.

Edward Davey, the consumer minister, announced that this would replace the existing rules, which he describes as overlapping and confusing.

The new bill will also clarify the law on unfair contract terms, deal with misleading aggressive sales practice and update the goods and services law to include digital content.

Mr Davey said: "The Consumer Bill of Rights will consolidate, clarify and strengthen the consumer laws already in place, which will make it easier for everyone to understand and consumer rights in the UK will be stronger than ever."

He warned that the current system involves laws drawn from a wide range of different acts and regulations, making it difficult for a layperson to identify what their rights are.

Earlier this month, Ofcom announced that it would be banning rollover contracts for landline and broadband customers, as it was too difficult for consumers to exit contracts.

Published by Tessa Jones