Burnham brings forward ban on 'subscription traps' to ease cost of living
The prime minister is embarking on a UK tour with a series of announcements aimed at easing living costs.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is bringing forward a package of changes to tackle "subscription traps" and "pretend prices" in a bid to ease the cost of living crisis. The government, which announced the measures under his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer in April, plans to implement them by January 2027. Burnham's plans are aimed at giving families "room to breathe" amid rising living costs.
These measures include making it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions and outlawing shops' use of fake prices, such as made-up discounts or misleading recommended retail prices. Consumer groups have welcomed the announcement, but Labour's shadow chancellor Mel Stride criticized the measures as "reheated" and questioned why the government is only now enacting legislation passed by the previous administration.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act, passed in 2024, already addressed issues like hidden fees and fake online reviews. Burnham's government has promised these changes will save consumers £400m annually.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Burnham vows to end 'subscription traps' nst.com.my
