Consultation launched in review of Groceries Code Adjudicator: The Department for Business and Trade has launched a triennial review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator as required by the groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013. The review will consider how the GCA’s powers have been exercised, how effective the GCA has been in enforcing the code, whether to amend or replace the GCA (Permitted Maximum Financial Penalty) Order 2015 and whether to make an order setting out the information that the GCA may consider when deciding whether to investigate. The Government is also interested in views whether the Agriculture supply chain adjudicator and growth in online retailing has impacted on the role of the GCA. Responses are required by 5th August View >
Proposals published to strip back insurance rules: The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a consultation on proposals to strip outdated or duplicated requirements from its insurance rulebook. The regulator is proposing to create a new definition to identify large commercial insurance customers who should not be captured by its conduct rules. Other proposed changes include no longer requiring firms to review the value of their product at least every 12 months, broadening the scope of bespoke contract exclusions and making them easier for all insurers and brokers to use. getting rid of duplicative annual reporting and employer’s liability notification requirements and removing the specified minimum hours of training and development required for insurance and funeral plan employees. Responses are required by 2nd July. View >
HM Treasury sets out priorities for the Competition and consumer watchdog: HM Treasury has published a ‘strategic steer’ for the Competition and Markets Authority emphasising the importance of its need to prioritise growth while ensuring effective competition and consumer protection. The steer is also focused on minimising uncertainty for businesses by encouraging the CMA to be proactive, transparent, timely, predictable and responsive in its engagement. View >
OFCOM Launch more investigations under Online Safety Act: Ofcom has launched two investigations into whether Kick Online Entertainment S.A has failed to comply with its duties under the UK’s Online Safety Act. The investigations concern whether the business has completed the required online harms risk assessment and failure to respond to a statutory request for information. View >
Advertising watchdog publish guidance on changes to advertising codes: The Advertising Standards Authority has published guidance on changes to the advertising codes made in response to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The guidance considers the need to make the total price clear upfront to avoid misleading ‘drip pricing’, the prohibition of ‘fake reviews’ and need to indicate if reviews have been commissioned. Although advertising may not be specifically targeted at a vulnerable group e.g. based on their age, credulity, physical or mental health or the circumstances they are in (among other things) the ASA can now consider whether the advertising is misleading to the average consumer from such a vulnerable group. View >
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