ADVOCACY and CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS
Empowering Consumers
Through Knowledge and Action
Explore valuable resources on consumer rights and fair business practices. These materials offer detailed information and insights to help you understand and enforce your rights as a consumer.
Our Areas of Advocacy
CPB actively campaigns for fair treatment in every corner of the marketplace from online shopping to essential services.
Consumer Rights
Championing your right to safe, fair, and accurately described goods and services under UK law.
Transparent Pricing
Fighting hidden fees, misleading offers, and deceptive pricing practices across all sectors.
Fair Trading
Holding traders, manufacturers, and service providers to the standards set by UK consumer protection legislation.
Global Standards
Aligning with international guidelines including United Nations consumer protection principles to advance rights beyond borders.
Policy Influence
Engaging with regulators and policymakers to advocate for stronger, clearer consumer protection laws in the UK.
The Laws That Protect You
CPB works within a robust legal framework to enforce your rights and hold suppliers accountable.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Ensures goods and services meet acceptable quality standards. Entitles consumers to refunds, repairs, or replacements for faulty items.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Prohibits misleading and aggressive commercial practices by traders protecting you from deception before and after purchase.
Sale of Goods Act 1979
Provides the right to receive goods that are as described, of satisfactory quality, and fit for purpose.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
Protects consumers in service contracts by requiring services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
Governs online and distance selling giving you the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase with a full refund.
UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection
An international framework that sets out the responsibilities of governments and businesses to protect consumers worldwide.
The 8 Basic Consumer Rights in the UK
Established under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, these eight core rights consolidate previous legislation to give consumers clear, enforceable protections covering goods, services, and digital content.
Right to Satisfactory Quality
Goods must be free from minor defects, durable, safe, and match their description, price, and condition as a reasonable person would expect.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 — s.9Right to be Fit for Purpose
Goods must be usable for the purpose they were sold for, and for any specific purpose you informed the seller about before purchase.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 — s.10Right to Match Description or Sample
Products must be exactly as advertised, as shown in any sample, or as demonstrated at point of sale — no hidden differences.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 — s.11Right to a Remedy (Redress)
If goods are faulty you are entitled to a full refund within 30 days, or a repair or replacement thereafter. Services must be repeated or price-reduced if substandard.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 — s.19–24Right to be Informed
Consumers must receive clear, accurate, and complete information about products and services before and after purchase. Misleading practices are prohibited.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008Right to Choose
Consumers should have access to a wide range of products and services at competitive prices, free from monopolistic or unfair trading practices.
Competition Act 1998Right to be Heard and Represented
Consumer interests should be represented in policy development and regulatory decision-making. Complaints must be properly received and addressed.
Consumer Rights Act 2015Right to Education and a Healthy Environment
The right to acquire knowledge and skills to be an informed consumer, and to live and work in an environment that is non-threatening to wellbeing.
UN Guidelines for Consumer ProtectionAdvocacy and Reference Library
Access official consumer protection documents and guidelines to better understand your rights.
Have a Consumer Complaint?
Our team is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue a fair resolution whether through negotiation, mediation, or legal action.