Consumer rights
Quote or estimate: why a tradesperson's figure can rise — or must not
You hire someone for home work and they give you a figure. But one word decides whether it can go up later. A quote is a firm, binding price: agree it and that is what you pay. An estimate is only a rough guess that can change. Here is the difference, what the law says, and how to avoid a bill twice what you were promised.
Refunds in the UK: 14 days online, less in a shop
An online purchase can be returned with no reason given: 14 days to cancel, 14 more to send it back, 14 for the refund. In a shop that right does not exist. And when a fault appears, the first six months decide who has to prove what.
Who could access your energy data?
The UK government is consulting on rules for sharing energy usage and tariff data with authorised services when a consumer chooses to do so. These are proposals for England, Scotland and Wales, not rules already in force. Households and small businesses can respond by 8 January 2027.
Car finance payouts face February court hearing
The legal challenge to the UK car finance compensation scheme will be heard on 16–26 February 2027. Lenders do not yet have to calculate or pay compensation under the scheme. Concerned borrowers can complain to their lender directly and free of charge now.
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CMA fines three firms £6m over fake deadlines and pre-ticked boxes
Wayfair pays £4.8m for false countdown timers, Appliances Direct £1.2m plus £432,000 in refunds for auto-added paid extras, and Gold’s Gym £45,000 for a hidden joining fee.
Bought a faulty used car in the UK: how to get your money back
The Consumer Rights Act 2015, in force since 1 October 2015, gives a buyer 30 days to reject a faulty car and take back the full price with no deduction, and for the first six months it is the seller who must prove the car was sound. Here is what to do when a car bought from a dealer goes wrong, why a later rejection costs you a deduction for mileage, and how a private sale differs.
How to return goods in the UK: 30 days for faults, 14 days for online orders, and chargeback when the shop says no
The law gives you 30 days to reject faulty goods for a full refund and 14 days to cancel an online order without giving a reason. For the first six months the retailer must prove the fault was not there at purchase. If the shop refuses, the bank pays: Section 75 on credit cards from £100 to £30,000 and chargeback within 120 days on debit cards. A step-by-step guide.