Deadline set for the investigation into funeral costs
First published by Author on February 21, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | funerals market | investigations | market study
The deadline has been set for the investigation into funeral costs that appear to have soared in recent years.
We should know by May 2019 whether any further action is to be taken. This could be a formal investigation into whether breaches of consumer law is taking place, or additional studies of the market and its workings.
To point out the obvious, we’re all going to die at some point. Given that dying comes with costs, this is an important sector when it comes to healthy competition and consumer protection. That’s not just because the industry is worth billions, or the fact that it’s usually a sad time for many, but also because there’s always going to be a market for it (we assume!).
CMA initiates court action against Care UK
First published by Author on February 14, 2019 in the following categories: Care Homes Compensation Claims Investigations and tagged with care home | cma | pricing
There’s been a huge development in the care homes consumer protection case. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated court action against Care UK.
We recently blogged about the developments in the care homes consumer protection case where pre-action letters had been sent. Now, they have proceeded with court action against Care UK.
The reason for the court action is because the CMA isn’t satisfied with the response from care UK following the investigations. Although they’ve stopped charging administration fees that the CMA had deemed to be breaking consumer protection laws, they haven’t agreed to refunds. The CMA has taken issue with their stance.
Crackdown after social media influencer investigation
First published by Author on February 08, 2019 in the following categories: Incentives Investigations Latest Selling Restrictions and tagged with advertising | cma | competition law | incentives | investigations
A crackdown has been launched after a social media influencer investigation raised concerns that some product endorsements may be breaching vital competition law.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has reportedly written to a number of high-profile celebrities about their social media influencing habits. As a result of the warning letters, some social medial influencers have promised to clearly state if they’re being rewarded for endorsing products. Among those who have made the formal commitments are singers Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding.
We welcome this move and the cooperation of those involved so far.
Pharmaceutical competition investigation extended
First published by Author on February 01, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | market study | Pharmaceuticals | pricing
The pharmaceutical competition investigation has had a key deadline extended this month. The time being allowed for the analysis of information has been moved.
The ongoing pharmaceutical competition investigation is an important one. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is looking into potential breaches of important competition law. Specifically, they’re looking at two different generic pharmaceutical drugs and whether there are illegal anti-competitive agreements and conduct in place.
This is an important sector when it comes to healthy competition. Any breaches need to be severely punished.
Investigation into financial services sector for suspected anti-competitive practices
First published by Author on January 25, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Latest and tagged with cma | investigations
The CMA opened an investigation into the financial services sector for suspected anti-competitive practices at the end of last year.
The investigation has only just begun, so no assumptions are made as of yet. The particular companies who may be of interest in the investigation are yet to be named, and it’s the initial information-gathering stage that has begun.
The financial services sector is a huge one, so healthy competition is important. Any breaches of the law will need to be punished accordingly.
CMA secondary ticketing investigation updated
First published by Author on January 18, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Latest Price Hikes Pricing and tagged with cma | pricing | secondary ticketing
There has been another update in the CMA secondary ticketing investigation following on from the recent court action against Viagogo.
As of yesterday, the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) demanded that a number of the big players in the secondary ticketing market must have improved their business behaviour. This ongoing investigation and review is hugely important given the growth in touts and overcharging. This is among practices that have arguably made pricing unclear, with the consumer not being protected by the market players.
The changes that the CMA are pushing through should help to defend the consumers against unfair practices. It should ensure consumer rights are not infringed and should enforce the ticketing companies to act more responsibly.
Latest in the care homes consumer protection case
First published by Author on January 11, 2019 in the following categories: Care Homes and tagged with care home | cma
The latest update in the care homes consumer protection case is a big one. Letters before action have been issued against Care UK.
According to the latest from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a letter before action has been sent to Social Care Holdings Limited and Care UK Community Partnerships Limited. Together, they make up ‘Care UK’.
The reasons for the latest action comes are a period of consultation and a lack of undertakings being provided.
Random Argos price changes?
First published by Author on January 04, 2019 in the following categories: Price Hikes Pricing and tagged with comparison sites | pricing | retail
An investigation last year reportedly indicated randomness in terms of Argos price changes, alongside Amazon, AO, John Lewis and Currys PC World.
The internet has allowed for price comparison to be a huge factor in consumer decision making. In the aftermath of Christmas, when sales are everywhere, the consumer is expecting to make some savings.
But a consumer report last year reportedly indicated some strange behaviours when it came to Argos price changes. The same was also found for Amazon, AO, John Lewis and Currys PC World as well.
Extra time allowed in the Asda Sainsbury merger investigation
First published by Author on December 28, 2018 in the following categories: Industry Mergers and tagged with cma | marktet sharing | mergers
Extra time has been allowed for the lawyers involved in the Asda Sainsbury merger as the CMA looks to protect consumer rights and ensure healthy competition remains.
When news of the £7.3bn Asda Sainsbury merger hit the news, the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) were quick to act. Their role as the UK’s competition watchdog is to ensure that the behaviours of businesses in a market does not come at a detriment to the consumer. In this investigation, the concern is over whether prices could increase as the merger would lead to the companies overtaking Tesco as the largest supermarket chain in the UK.
The extra time that has been allowed is for the lawyers acting in the Asda Sainsbury merger venture to respond to a number of concerns that have been raised.
Loyalty penalty CMA investigation concludes
First published by Author on December 21, 2018 in the following categories: Industry Investigations Price Hikes Pricing and tagged with cma | competition law | incentives | investigations | loyalty penalties | pricing
The massive loyalty penalty CMA investigation – deemed a ‘super complaint’ – has resulted in a set of reforms to stop the issue affecting people.
The investigation found “damaging practices by firms, which exploit unsuspecting customers”. This issue is estimated to equate to a cost to the consumer in the region of £4bn per year. There are thought to be millions of people affected by loyalty penalties.
The loyalty penalty CMA investigation looked at five markets: savings; insurance; mortgages; mobile phone contracts; and broadband. New regulatory rules are set to be introduced to stamp out the loyalty penalty endemic.