Which? slams Government for watering down consumer minister’s role

11 June 2009

Which? has written to the Prime Minister to demand an explanation for the decision to water down the role of Minister for Consumer Affairs.

As part of the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Kevin Brennan MP has been appointed Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs. Which? says this move raises serious concerns over the importance the government places on consumer interests and competition policy.

Which? chief executive, Peter Vicary-Smith, says:

“Bundling consumer and competition policy in with further education, skills and apprenticeships smacks of the consumer being an afterthought for this government rather than a priority.

“If this government truly believes that competition drives markets and the consumer interest needs to be reflected in policy, surely the role and profile of the consumer minister should be enhanced not reduced?”

Notes to Editor

On 17 March 2009, the Prime Minister attended Listening to Consumers - an event hosted by Which? where Staff and advisers from Which?, Citizens’ Advice, Money Advice Trust, Consumer Credit Counselling Service discussed the problems facing consumers as a result of the financial crisis.