Andy Burnham has announced plans to ban fake discounts and make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions, aiming to improve life for UK consumers. While these "everyday fixes" may not dramatically boost wealth compared to pension contributions or rent caps, they address daily frustrations. Here are six other areas he could tackle.
Ban Booking Fees on Tickets
Buying tickets for gigs or shows has fewer hidden costs thanks to consumer protection laws introduced last year, but clearer fees are not necessarily more palatable. When there was a choice between box office, posted, or emailed tickets, add-ons might have covered different costs for the promoter. But when there's no choice, the fees stick in the throat. Retailers don't charge "transaction" or "order processing fees," so why should tickets?
Stop Direct Debit Hikes When You're in Credit
If you pay energy bills by direct debit and are careful with usage, you might end winter in credit—only for the provider to raise monthly payments by £50. While a rising price cap might justify an increase, having a surplus should not trigger higher payments. Ofgem reports providers held £3.2bn of customers' money in the year to March, with the average household £135 in credit. Yet some on fixed tariffs with large balances are still told to pay more. Providers could be banned from raising direct debits beyond price changes or when customers have a surplus covering a set percentage of bills.
Cut Sneaky Shrinkflation
Smaller packs for the same price are sometimes more welcome than paying more, but sneaky cuts harm consumers. France and Austria have rules to make it obvious when shoppers get less product for the same or more money. A simple "new pack size" message would alert people and ensure informed decisions.
Force Companies to Put a Phone Number on Their Homepage
When you have a problem with a company, finding a phone number can be a nightmare. Some communications firms have no visible "contact us" link, and energy companies send customers in circles. Guardian Money readers often struggle to find help when things go wrong. Publishing a number requires staff to answer and provide joined-up thinking, but at least customers wouldn't feel companies are hiding.
Bring Forward Plans to Improve Parking
From fines for charging electric cars to debt notices for unpaid fees when apps fail, parking problems are common. A code of practice was drawn up years ago but not introduced; a consultation ended last September. Plans for a nationwide app to unify parking payments were watered down. Enforcing the code would stop drivers receiving bills for parking crimes they didn't commit.
Make Insurers Give You the Best Deal Upfront
Renewal experiences have improved: insurers must offer existing customers deals as good as new ones, and renewal letters show last year's premium. Yet the annual dance continues—if you don't query increases, shop around, or threaten to leave, you'll likely overpay. The system still penalizes those who stay put.
