Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect consumers from highly inflated ticket prices resulting from the use of dynamic pricing software.

This government recognises that fans should be kept at the heart of live events, and we are concerned to see vastly inflated prices excluding many ordinary fans from having the opportunity to enjoy their favourite musicians.

That is why we have committed to introducing new protections for consumers on ticket resales, and we will launch a consultation in the autumn to seek views on potential options.

Following recent events, we will also examine issues around the transparency and use of dynamic pricing as part of our upcoming consultation this autumn. We welcome the Competition and Markets Authority’s announcement that it is also urgently reviewing recent developments in the ticketing market, including the use of dynamic pricing.

Dynamic pricing as a practice is not prohibited under consumer protection law. However, businesses using dynamic pricing are required to be fair and transparent in their dealings with consumers, and ensure they provide timely, clear and accurate information about their pricing practices. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a breach of consumer law and could be followed by enforcement action.

We recognise that this is a complex area, and will work with artists, industry and fans to create a fairer system.