Money being poured away: Costs crackdown could save families £470 a year
FAMILIES will be able to save an average £470 a year in a Government shake-up of everyday costs.
Savings will include attacking lack of competition in water utilities and mobile phone networks
The Better Deal will attack lack of competition in water utilities, mobile phone networks and school uniform suppliers among others.
It arises from a Treasury study of 10 key areas which cost the average family £9,685 a year, 40 per cent of disposable income.
Schools will be forced to take cost into account when designing uniforms after campaigners highlighted items being sold by a single shop.
Competition will also be encouraged in school uniform suppliers
Chancellor George Osborne and Business Secretary Sajid Javid are also keen to allow householders to switch water suppliers just as they swap power providers, subject to a regulator’s report.
The mobile phone industry will also be under pressure to automatically “unlock” handsets at the end of contracts so customers can access cheaper networks.
Unlocking phones costs up to £20 each, a total of £48million a year.
Dental plans and costs will be made clearer
Broadband companies will also be urged to make their costs clearer.
The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating whether “teaser rates” are misleading.
Actual annual costs can be £240 higher.
The Government also wants dental treatment plans and price lists in England to be clearer.
Chemists will be encouraged to innovate to online, home delivery and 'click and collect' sales
Law firms could lose their grip on conveyancing, probate and litigation with accountants and internet technology firms allowed to practise.
Chemists will be encouraged to innovate with online, home delivery and “click and collect” sales.
Last week’s Autumn Statement set out further measures to cut household power and motor insurance bills and today Which? launches a campaign to clarify small print.