More responsibility for CAB
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is to be given a larger role under proposals designed to simplify consumer protection for the public. From April 2013 the expanded role of the CAB will see it take over responsibilities from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Consumer Focus and it will take control of consumer advice and advocacy within unregulated sectors. A new Regulated Industries Unit will handle energy and postal services,
According to Consumer Affairs Minister, Norman Lamb, this change will simplify and unify the consumer protection system and there would be
“clearer responsibilities and better co-ordination between enforcers and consumer bodies. “For too long people have been faced with an array of different bodies for advice and support, but it’s not always clear who to turn to first.”
However, critics are railing against the reform, accusing the government of leaving consumers to be ripped off by continuously failing to enforce consumer laws. Citizens advice already receives £20 million and will receive an additional £10 million a year to fund the new work
The consumer group Which believes that Citizen Advice will be too poorly funded to accomplish its missions.
