Plans to crack down on persistent rogue traders and to ban unsolicited credit card cheques were announced today as the Government published its Consumer White Paper.
Read more about the white paper
The Prime Minister met debt advisers and their clients in Yorkshire to discuss the white paper as he continues his journey around the country to explain more about the Government’s plan for Building Britain’s Future.
The document also proposes measures to give consumers better advice to stay out of debt and to help them if they get into financial difficulties.
The PM said:
“I think it is right that we act on behalf of all consumers to make sure that financial institutions cannot act irresponsibly against them and we root out sharp practices in the industry.”
Proposals include:
- A ban on unsolicited credit card cheques
- New powers for the courts to ban persistent rogue traders
- A consultation on significant reforms to the regulation of credit and store cards
- A review by the Office of Fair Trading of the market for high cost credit
- The appointment of a new Consumer Advocate responsible for coordinating work to educate consumers and to help them get their money back when things go wrong
- The creation of a national specialist team to tackle internet scams
He took part in a question and answer session with a local Citizens Advice Bureau and Credit Union about the proposals this afternoon.
Earlier today, Gordon Brown was joined by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne and Regional Economic Development Minister Rosie Winterton in Leeds to meet business leaders.
Mr Brown said he appreciated the difficulties businesses are experiencing as a result of the economic downturn, and discussed some of the help for them in the Building Britain’s Future plan.
This includes measures to support low carbon industries and create a digital Britain, the establishment of a new £150 million Innovation Fund, and investment in the creation of more jobs and training for young people.
He also made a surprise visit to a family-run fishmongers in Leeds after one of the owners quizzed him on a radio phone in about the help available for small businesses.
The PM visited the Thomas Hayes and Sons stall, in Kirkgate market, to talk about what the Government is doing for businesses after owner Michelle Hayes spoke to him on BBC Radio Leeds this morning.
Visit the Building Britain’s Future website
Read more about the first leg of the PM’s journey
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