Category: Latest

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

First published by Author on April 01, 2020 in the following categories: Banking Sector Industry Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | retail banking

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

First published by Author on February 26, 2020 in the following categories: Care Homes Latest and tagged with care home | cma | consumer law

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

First published by Author on December 20, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | musical instruments

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

First published by Author on October 17, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | construction industry | investigations

construction companies anti-competitive behaviour

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.

Privately funded healthcare services deadline looming

First published by Author on September 26, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Industry Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations

The deadline for continuing the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the privately funded healthcare services is looming.

The CMA has been looking into whether there’s any anti-competitive arrangements in the sector. If there are, competition may be stifled, and the consumer may be getting hit in the pocket.

When it comes to investigations that involve healthcare, they can often be the most important ones. They say that you can’t put a price on your health, but in reality, big medical companies and pharmaceutical giants literally do just that.

Supply of precast concrete drainage investigation update

First published by Author on July 25, 2019 in the following categories: Cartels Industry Investigations Latest and tagged with cartels | cma | competition law | investigations

Here’s the latest in the investigation into the suspected cartel arrangements in the supply of precast concrete drainage sector.

The investigation being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) was launched way back in 2016. Since then, a number of steps have been taken, and admissions of participating in cartel behaviour have been made at the end of 2018.

The final penalty amounts have yet to be concluded and issued, but based on the most recent update from the CMA, we expect to be seeing more updates soon.

Viagogo court case steps up

The ongoing Viagogo court case between the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the secondary ticketing website is about to step up.

The CMA are reportedly moving ahead with contempt of court proceedings on the basis that they say Viagogo is still failing to adhere to a court order obtained earlier this year.

This is huge news, and it’s alarming to hear that the CMA considers that the ticketing resellers are still failing to comply with a court order. Following a market sector review, a number of firms changed their behaviours, but it appears that Viagogo isn’t fully complying.

Updates in the funeral market investigation

First published by Author on May 23, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | funerals market | investigations | market study

There has been a couple of updates in the ongoing funeral market investigation being carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK.

We’ve been tracking this investigation for quite some time, and it’s one of particular importance given the sector and subject. There will always be a market for these kinds of services, and the market will likely continue to grow. As such, any concerns with regards to competition law is a matter that the CMA must look into in detail.

Since our previous article on the investigation, there has been a couple of updates.