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Citizens Advice backs call for improved class action representation for consumers

21 September 2012

Responding to report on consumer confidence by Ed Mayo, Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:

"Britain is way behind many other countries when it comes to supporting consumers to take action together. Class action cases brought by organisations representing consumers would hold businesses to account and increase consumer confidence.

"With a Consumer Rights Bill on the horizon the Government has the opportunity to introduce class action that works for businesses and those who buy from them.

"The economic situation has created lots of opportunities for rogues to make money out of people who are under pressure. The immediate future looks set to get worse before it gets better for many consumers.

"We expect to give advice on almost 2 million consumer problems this year and too often we speak to people who are frustrated because they have been ripped off but simply cannot secure the redress they are entitled to. Improving consumer confidence could pay a key role in driving much-need growth for our economy."

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk
  3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.9 million problems from April 2011 to March 2012. For full 2011/2012 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
  5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,500 service outlets across England and Wales.