Burnham vows crackdown on ‘rip-off’ business practices to ease cost of living

The UK government is set to implement a crackdown on "rip-off" business practices, aiming to ease the cost of living for consumers. The measures include banning misleading pricing tactics and simplifying the process of canceling unwanted subscriptions.

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If something is advertised as half price, it should actually be half price. We’ll make sure that when families snatch a deal, they can be confident they’re actually saving. That’s the least they deserve when budgets are so tight.

Consumers are expected to save approximately £400 million annually through these initiatives. Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the government's commitment to intervening where possible to save people money and remove obstacles. "Where the government can save people money, remove an unnecessary obstacle or simply make something work better, we should and we will," he stated.

The ban on misleading pricing will target practices like fake "was" prices and invented reductions, ensuring that advertised discounts are genuine. Retailers will be prevented from inflating prices before a sale to create a false impression of savings. Ministers will consult on the specifics of these practices in the autumn, with changes expected through secondary legislation.

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Too many companies want you to sign up in seconds but then make it feel impossible to leave. It’s exhausting.

Furthermore, new protections against subscription traps will be accelerated, taking effect in January instead of next spring. These rules will mandate clearer information during sign-ups, regular reminders, and easier cancellation processes. Consumers will also benefit from a 14-day cooling-off period after trials or contract renewals. Government figures indicate that the average person has three subscriptions costing around £500 a year, with an estimated £1.6 billion spent annually on unwanted ones.

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We won’t be able to solve every frustration overnight. But where the government can save people money, remove an unnecessary obstacle or simply make something work better, we should and we will.