New consumer campaign group

Wednesday, 22 October 2008

Consumer Focus is a new organisation aiming to campaign on behalf of consumers. Launched on 1 October 2008, the group hopes to help consumers who are facing uncertainty and financial difficulties.

Their first campaign is already reaping the benefits, as the energy regulator has agreed that energy companies should cut fuel bills for the poorest customers, many of whom are elderly, who have paid more than they need to for using pre-payment meters. However it isn't finished yet, as the regulator has to consult before final action, but it looks like a promising start.

Fuel poverty is an issue requiring wider action. Consumer Focus estimates that more than five million households will be under the fuel poverty line - considerably higher than the 3.5 million of only two years ago. As people struggle to heat their homes this winter, there are real concerns for the health of the elderly.

Consumer Focus has also given its attention to the banking crisis and welcomed the government’s attempts to bring stability to the economy, but wants more protection for depositors: money put into a bank should be safe, otherwise people will be storing it in jars, under the mattress and under floorboards at home! We saw this in action when Northern Rock was under threat at the beginning of the year as savers – many of whom were elderly – queued round the block to take out what is, after all, their own money.

The campaign group welcomed the increase of protection for savers’ money to £50,000. However, it also argues that since banks are not being allowed to fail and several have been rescued by the Government, then they in turn owe the taxpayer a debt, at least of gratitude in the way they treat their customers.

Chief executive Ed Mayo feels that Consumer Focus is well placed to argue for increased responsibility in the way businesses and government treat consumers, for example, the way energy and postal suppliers need to deal effectively with customer complaints. Mr Mayo said: “As one organisation, we will take a more co-ordinated approach to address the issues that affect us all. We will be able to engage more effectively with government, business and regulators and will have stronger powers and more teeth.”

The campaign group’s fundamental priority, said Mr Mayo, would be to make a difference in people's lives. Consumer Focus would do this “by championing change, campaigning for existing problems to be addressed and ensuring that vulnerable consumers are given the protection and support they urgently need.”

You can find Consumer Focus at http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk.

  What's this?