Press statement

Which? responds as chancellor agrees action plan with regulators to support consumers

2 min read
Press Team

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: 

“The UK’s stubbornly high inflation is extremely concerning for consumers, so while it is encouraging that the government is putting pressure on regulators in essential sectors to support households during this cost of living crisis, there is still more that can be done.

“People are being squeezed by above inflation mid-contract hikes to their broadband and mobile bills, and trapped between paying exorbitant exit fees to change providers or staying and suffering price hikes of as much as 17 per cent. It is very disappointing that Ofcom's review of broadband pricing is still not due until the end of the year.

“Support for savers appears positive, and at a time when banks seem to have no problem passing on mortgage rate increases to borrowers, the regulator should not hesitate to take action via the new Consumer Duty if banks fail to pass on higher interest rates to those looking to save.

“The CMA seems to be recognising the urgency of the food crisis by bringing forward the outcomes of their work on competition and unit pricing in supermarkets. However, Which?'s own food inflation tracker shows prices are still rising dramatically - with millions struggling to put food on the table and some parents skipping meals to feed their children.

“Consumers urgently need the government to use its influence and work directly with business to make changes that will help consumers immediately - for example, by calling on supermarkets to make budget ranges more widely available and asking telecoms firms to improve access to social tariffs and cancel above inflation mid-contract price hikes for next financial year.”

ENDS

 

  • Which? Affordable Food For All Campaign
  • The consumer champion’s Affordable Food For Allcampaign calls on supermarkets to do more to ensure own-brand budget line items are widely available throughout all branches – including in smaller ‘convenience’ stores. They should also make pricing and offers more transparent.
  • More than 87,000 supporters have signed our petition so far calling on the supermarkets to take action. 
  • Alongside the University of Leeds Consumer Data Research Centre, Which? has developed the Priority Places For Food Index which shows where in the UK people are the most vulnerable to food insecurity.