Plan to end cycle of confusing subscription traps in the small print
PLANS to sweep away confusing small print and end the cycle of subscription traps will be set out in next week’s Budget.
Next week's Budget plans to sweep away confusing small print and traps
Research last year revealed that 42 per cent of Britons are paying for at least one subscription they do not use, such as gym memberships, credit reports, TV streaming services and music streaming plans.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Philip Hammond will use the Budget to highlight details of the upcoming consumer green paper, which will look at ways to prevent people being hit with unexpected automatic fees for services they do not need.
There is a concern people only "skim read" lengthy terms and conditions
The move follows concerns that many people only “skim read” lengthy terms and conditions and some may sign up for a paid-for service without meaning to – for example, when a paid subscription starts automatically after a free trial has ended.
Which? found that nine in 10 people have agreed to terms and conditions when buying online in the last year, but only 16 per cent always read them.
It was found that only 16 per cent of people always read the terms and conditions
The Government plans to look at the standard usage of tick boxes, simplifying small print and ensuring consumers are alerted in good time when a payment is about to be taken.
There will also be powers to impose fines on companies that mistreat customers.