The UK government is consulting on implementing a new subscription contracts regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This regime aims to provide stronger consumer protections in subscription services, addressing issues such as hidden charges, difficult cancellation processes, and unexpected auto-renewals.
The consultation includes proposals in relation to:
- cooling-off cancellation rights: returns and refunds
- cancellation remedies for breach of duties
- repayment of refunds
- contractual terms for exiting a contract
- arrangements for exiting a contract
- information notices
- pre-contract information
The government seeks input on how best to implement these changes to ensure a fair and balanced approach for consumers and businesses. It would like to hear from anyone with an interest in subscription contracts, but in particular:
- individual traders and their representatives who consider they will be in scope of the subscription rules
- businesses that support traders to deliver their subscription services, including e-commerce platforms
- consumer advocacy groups
- legal firms
- enforcement authorities
For further information and to participate in the consultation, please select the following link: Consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime - GOV.UK.
The consultation is open for responses until 10 February 2025.