Consumer Scotland has published its latest Newsletter highlighting the range of actions we have taken over the past few months to improve outcomes for consumers across the economy with a focus on affordability and supporting consumers in vulnerable circumstances.
Following our recommendations, the UK Government has strengthened the Warm Home Discount scheme by introducing automatic payments for all eligible households in Scotland from next winter - a measure already in place in England and Wales. However, while this is significant progress it marks only the beginning of the broader reforms necessary to ensure energy support is better targeted at those who need support the most.
Affordability is also a concern in the water sector where bills are set to rise. We have recommended that a new scheme of affordability support that more effectively targets water poverty should be introduced by the start of the 2033 regulatory period. Following that recommendation, we are pleased the Scottish Government has committed to review water charging and associated affordability measures over the course of the 2027-2033 period.
Other issues covered in the Newsletter include:
- National campaign on the importance of registering electrical goods
- Stronger protections for non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- Our investigation into the used car market
- Affordability of Second Class stamps
- New regulation for heat networks
If you have any questions or want to discuss any of our work, please get in touch at comms@consumer.scot.