Subscription Contracts: Right to Cancel

Lord Lansley Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for that. I assure him that my officials and I are working to ensure that we get this right. The new subscription regime will ensure that in particular situations, including after the contract automatically renews on to a 12-month term, consumers have a 14-day window in which to cancel. Should any changes be needed in secondary legislation that we publish, they will not commence until autumn 2026, so there is plenty of time for charities and heritage organisations to put their houses in order before this regime kicks in.

[Lord Lansley (Con)]

May I offer the Minister an opportunity to be popular by moving the regulations on online subscriptions further, so that all those who are subject to automatic renewals do not have to click more than twice in order to end a subscription that they do not want to retain?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for that kind suggestion. I am sure my officials, who are sitting in the Box, have heard it.