Citizens Advice backs call for improved class action representation for consumers

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."

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service 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 see the Citizens Advice website .

  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.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.