Prices: Emergencies

(asked on 22nd April 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to prevent price gouging by exploitative vendors at times of national emergency, such as during the covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Paul Scully Portrait
Paul Scully
This question was answered on 27th April 2022

The Government has actively sought to address consumer issues arising from the pandemic and remains committed to tackling consumer rip-offs and bad business practices, including profiteering.

The CMA monitors firms suspected of profiteering to challenge unjustifiable price increases and stands ready to take enforcement action where there is evidence that competition or consumer protection law has been broken.

The Government published its response to last year’s consultation exercise on reforming competition and consumer policy and intends to legislate to give the CMA administrative enforcement powers to tackle those businesses not treating customers fairly.

The Government continues to monitor the operation of consumer markets and keeps all options under review to ensure good value and service for consumers.

Reticulating Splines