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CMA funerals investigation update
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is carrying out a market investigation into the supply of services by funeral directors at the point of need, and the supply of crematoria services also. This article is a CMA funerals investigation update.
On the 16th March 2020, the CMA announced their decision to extend the statutory deadline for this investigation by six months. The new deadline for this investigation is now currently set as 27th March 2021, with all submissions until June 2020 being taken into account.
CMA finds anti-competitive practices in Digital pianos, digital keyboards and guitars sector
On 17 April 2018, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) began a formal investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in the musical instrument industry.
The CMA reportedly had reasonable grounds to suspect Yamaha of a competition law infringement. Yamaha was thought to be involved in anti-competitive practices and/or concerted agreements with at least one UK seller.
Given the value of this growing market sector, this is an important investigation for the CMA to have undertaken.
Review of the Legal Services Market
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a review of the implementation and impact of the recommendations of its 2016 market study into the legal services market in England and Wales.
Hand sanitiser pricing under regulatory review
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been looking into hand sanitiser pricing over concerns that important competition laws may be being breached.
Last month, the CMA announced that they were looking into the matter that is undoubtedly tied to how the use of such products has changed during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Although the investigation only started last month, and no assumptions are being made, there have been some significant changes and developments so far.
Clearly, given how the markets for such products has changed over the last few months, this is an important matter that needs to be looked into.
Ofwat price determinations case
The Ofwat price determinations case follows a referral by four major water companies in the UK in relation to price controls that are set to go into effect for the next five years.
Price controls for the water market are put in place for the protection of the consumer. They can ensure that water is affordable and available to all, but the controls must account for the fact that private companies are providing water services and competing in the market.
If new price controls are rejected by any of the UK water companies, the matter can be referred to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA can make its own separate determination as a regulator with similar duties to Ofwat.
Retail banking market investigation: the latest
The have been some developments lately in the retail banking market investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Since 2016, the CMA has been looking into the supply of personal and current accounts to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The investigations were launched off the back of concerns that there was a lack of effective competition in the sector, arising from two studies prior conducted by the CMA. Working with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), measures have been taken to improve competition in this multi-billion-pound sector.
Here’s the latest.
Latest in the care homes consumer protection investigation
There has been some big developments in the care homes consumer protection investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
This is an important case that has been ongoing since 2017, and there have been several key steps taken to improve the sector on the whole. Consumer law is hugely important when it comes to the care for our elderly and vulnerable and matters in the case have further developed.
As a result of failures to adhere to important changes brought about by the CMA, court action has been launched.
Berkshire residential estate agents competition case
Here’s the latest news involving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into alleged competition infringements involving Berkshire residential estate agents.
The investigation was launched in early 2018 on the basis that the CMA suspected that there may be infringements of important competition law. In June last year, the CMA issued a formal statement of objections to four estate agents with allegations of breaches, and a settlement was reached with two agents in October. More fines were then issued at the end of last year.
In the often-volatile property market, competition law breaches that leave buyers and sellers paying more simply cannot go unpunished.
The musical instruments and equipment investigation
The musical instruments and equipment investigation is a matter that’s currently being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The market for musical equipment and instruments has grown exponentially in recent decades. There’s now far greater access to instruments at more affordable prices, and the materials available online for people to learn to play are vast. So many youngsters want to be in bands, and it’s great that there’s such an appetite for musical creativity.
But the CMA has been looking into another side of the sector, and it’s one where foul play is being suspected.
Supply of construction services competition investigation
The investigation started by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) earlier this year into the supply of construction services is now set to proceed.
The decision looks to have been made after an initial information gathering exercise that has been carried out since March this year.
Given the scale of this industry, it’s another important when it comes to ensuring that there’s healthy competition in place that allows consumers to pay fair prices. Not only is competition important for keeping prices down, but it also allows players in the market to innovate in terms of efficiency and lowering costs for both products and services alike.
This can all benefit the consumer.