Consumer Scotland
@consumerscotland
Consumer Scotland is the statutory and independent body for consumers in Scotland.
A new UK-wide mobile performance benchmark is good news. But averages can hide gaps. Scotland has the lowest 5G and 4G geographic coverage range of UK nations. And the highest incidence of 4G total not-spots. We need our own benchmark alongside the UK's. https://tinyurl.com/2fr2vpd9
Around half a million people in Scotland rely on cash. But bank branch closures mean that for some, it is now harder than ever to access. We want a system that works for everyone. Read more: https://consumer.scot/blog-posts/the-consumers-left-behind-by-the-rise-of-digital-banking/
When something has to give, water charges are often what gets missed. Our new research explores why 1 in 5 consumers in Scotland are in water debt. To better understand the experiences of people in water debt, read https://consumer.scot/news/water-debt-leaves-consumers-stressed-and-ashamed/
Scotland’s island communities deserve better postal services. Some areas are currently exempt from the First Class delivery targets that apply everywhere else. We want to see that change. Our Head of Post spoke to BBC Reporting Scotland.
We welcome today’s announcement by the UK Government to cut VAT on electricity bills. However, we want to see further action to address fundamental affordability challenges facing many households. Read our full statement here: consumer.scot/news/stateme...
Postal services on Scotland's islands are expensive and unreliable. We need the UK Government, @Ofcom and parcel operators to raise standards and tackle surcharges. Read more: consumer.scot/news/scottis...
Scotland's smart meter rollout is lagging behind the rest of Great Britain. And that can be a problem for consumers. Read our analysis of what's going wrong and what Ofgem needs to do: consumer.scot/blog-posts/c...
Bought a used car that developed a fault? You may have more rights than you think. Watch now to find out more. For free advice, call Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060.
Water bills in Scotland are likely to rise by 2% plus inflation each year from 2027 to 2033. We welcome this being a lower increase than proposed. We are however concerned that higher bills could push more low-income households into water poverty. More: https://lnkd.in/efhKP_wt
More than half of used car buyers in Scotland reported a problem with their purchase, our survey found. Our investigation reveals why and what needs to change. Read more: consumer.scot/news/stronger-consumer-protection-needed-in-the-used-car-market/
Social housing should work for everyone. For disabled renters in Scotland, our research shows too often it doesn't. We want to see change. Read more: consumer.scot/blog-posts/the-right-time-to-help-disabled-social-renters-is-now/
Not having a safe address because of homelessness or those fleeing domestic abuse can mean missing vital letters. We’ve been exploring how ‘Address and Collect’ scheme could help people in Scotland. Read our latest blog: https://consumer.scot/blog-posts/tackling-postal-exclusion-in-scotland/
Public bodies must consider consumers in every strategic decision. That’s the Consumer Duty. We are committed to putting consumers at the heart of improved services to deliver better value for public money. That was our message at First Minister John Swinney’s Public Service Reform event.
Are you on a heat network in Scotland? We'll make sure your voice is heard. Watch now to find out about new rules that are here to protect you. For free advice, visit energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660 --- @advicedirectscot.bsky.social @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social
Nearly 1 in 5 households in Scotland are in energy debt — double the rate from 2024. That's before a 13% rise in energy prices in July. We are developing proposals for better support for people who need it most. Read more: rb.gy/ihx7fn
We're recruiting a fixed-term Head of Consumer Markets. The post holder will lead consumer policy and advocacy work across a range of markets, helping to reduce harm to consumers in Scotland. Find out more and apply before 11:55pm on 27 May: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cg...
As a Non-Ministerial Office our social media activity is restricted until after the Scottish Parliament election in May.
New Consumer Scotland survey reveals the key challenges facing tenants renting from councils and housing associations. Read more: tinyurl.com/55taft6z
Buying a residential park home in Scotland can seem like an attractive option, but it can come with its own set of challenges which need to be addressed. Read our latest blog: tinyurl.com/y2nyxh7f
As more drivers switch to electric vehicles the UK Government is consulting on the introduction of EV Excise Duty from April 2028. In a new blog post Consumer Scotland explores how such a system would work best for consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4rZIkEV
Why Scotland's response to climate change depends on making environmentally friendly goods and services convenient and cost-effective for consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4avpb6I
Last month new regulation came into force to strengthen protections for households and businesses on heat networks. Find out more about what this important step means for consumers: bit.ly/3Mkqeyx
There is still time to help shape Consumer Scotland's Work Programme for 2026-2027 which sets out our key priorities to deliver better outcomes for consumers. Our online survey runs until Thursday 19 February. Read more and give your views: bit.ly/49UaREM
Why regulation of energy brokers could help bring down the cost of bills for consumers and allow small businesses to flourish - a new blog by Consumer Scotland Energy Policy Manager Hannah Corbett. Read more: bit.ly/4bswUEW
Consumers and small businesses are willing to adopt ‘greener’ postal delivery options, but only if they are competitively priced and clearly communicated, a new report by @consumerscotland.bsky.social shows. Read more: bit.ly/49RVi1w
Consumer Scotland has responded to a survey by @citizensadvice.bsky.social on postal delays over the Christmas period which shows 16 million people across the UK experienced issues. Read more: bit.ly/4k4WXnH
Consumers in Scotland are facing an 8.67% rise in water bills from April Scottish Water has announced. The increase highlights Consumer Scotland concerns over a projected rise in water poverty over the next few years. Read more: bit.ly/3O0y5S7
Consumers connected to heat networks in Scotland are facing a range of challenges including high prices, billing issues and reliability concerns. From next week @ofgem.gov.uk will become the regulator for heat networks across Great Britain. Read more: bit.ly/4qync8K
Front page article in today's @heraldscotland.bsky.social highlighting Consumer Scotland's recommendations to improve the Warm Home Discount Scheme for consumers in Scotland. Read more: bit.ly/4qcXIwQ
We are encouraging consumers to stay safe this Christmas and into the New Year by registering electrical products they buy. Registering electrical goods means consumers will be notified directly by the manufacturer if a product is recalled. Read more: bit.ly/3XMaPsY