UK PM Burnham vows to end ‘subscription traps’ amid cost-of-living crisis

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to combat difficult-to-cancel subscriptions and deceptive discounts as part of his strategy to address the cost-of-living crisis, according to Downing Street. The commitment was made as Burnham returned from a holiday to commence his nationwide tour, addressing the financial hardships faced by citizens.

In a statement, Burnham expressed frustration over "rip-off discounts and subscription traps" that leave consumers feeling trapped, with subscriptions often difficult to terminate or escalating in cost automatically. His administration intends to make exiting subscriptions as straightforward as joining them. Currently, Britons are estimated to be spending £1.6 billion (US$2.2 billion) annually on unwanted subscriptions.

The new regulations, set to be implemented in January, will demand businesses to provide clearer initial information, periodic reminders, and a simplified method to terminate contracts. A 14-day cooling-off period will be introduced for individuals to cancel after a trial or upon contract renewal, although the government has not detailed how this will be enforced.

Burnham also intends to tackle misleading discount claims based on exaggerated full-price figures. Previously serving as a regional mayor in northern England for nearly a decade, Burnham has emphasized his intention to bring politics beyond Westminster. His upcoming "cost of living tour" will encompass all UK regions, including economically challenged areas such as Port Talbot in Wales.

Burnham informed the left-leaning newspaper that he would inquire about actions that could genuinely enhance people's lives. As the new prime minister, Burnham has vowed to draft a 10-year plan for the nation, with initial initiatives including a reduction in energy bills exacerbated by the US-Iran conflict, a cap on bus ticket prices, and a reduction in business rates for pubs. Both opposition parties have criticized these measures, asserting they do not go far enough.