The Consumer Rights Act 2015 became legislation at the end of last month and is the most significant change to consumer law for over 30 years as it replaces existing legislation with which everyone has become so familiar. Consumer law is notoriously complicated and hopefully the new Act will make it easier for everyone involved to understand their rights and obligations.
Consumers will now have a clearer route to follow if they feel that the goods or services they have bought fail to do what was promised. Businesses will have clarity as to which terms and conditions can be considered unfair and on their obligations for repair, replacement and refunds.
In addition to consolidating and clarifying existing legislation, the Act has also modernised consumer law by including provision relating specifically to digital content that is supplied to consumers.
Businesses dealing with consumers will need to ensure their terms and conditions comply with the new requirements by October 2015 to avoid being in breach.
The Trading Standards Institute via their Business Companion website have published a number of helpful guides to the new legislation for businesses and which can be accessed by clicking on the following link.
http://www.businesscompanion.info/en/news-and-updates/consumer-rights-act