Subscription Contracts: Right to Cancel

Earl of Devon Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes an interesting point. Let us look at the policy. We are talking about unwanted subscriptions, which account for some £1.6 billion a year. This Act will save consumers some £14 a month, which is about £147 million a year. As it stands, charities have to comply with consumer law irrespective of charitable status. Companies, especially digital service organisations, have the legislation that is currently in place, so that will stay as it is. The cooling-off period under the new Act is just an extension from distance contracts to in person.

[The Earl of Devon (CB)]

My Lords, how do the Government account for the concerns of privately owned heritage? The majority of members of Historic Houses, for example, are neither charities nor large heritage organisations, yet they are wholly dependent on subscriptions and membership for the preservation of our nationally significant heritage. I note my interest as a member of Historic Houses.

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I thank the noble Earl for that. As far as heritage organisations are concerned, it is up to the individual organisation how its business model is structured. If it is a subscription model for contracts or services then it falls in scope of this legislation and the cooling-off period will apply.