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Enterprise Act 2003
The substantive consumer and competition provisions
of the Enterprise Act came into force on 20 June 2003.
New measures will empower consumers, modernise the
insolvency regime so that it supports enterprise, and
help to make UK markets more competitive.
The main consumer related issues are :
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Extending the Stop Now Orders
to protect consumers from traders who do not meet
their legal obligations. The new enforcement regime
will apply to infringements of a wide range of
legislation protecting the economic interests
of consumers, such as failing to carry out a service
(e.g. building work or home maintenance) to a
reasonable standard. This will also ensure that
honest traders, especially small businesses, do
not face unfair competition from those who engage
in unlawful conduct.
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OFT to approve Codes of Practice which will
help consumers identify businesses they can trust
e.g. car repair garages or estate agents for example.
Businesses involved in the scheme will also gain
a marketing advantage.
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Empowering consumer bodies to make 'super-complaints'
to the OFT about features of a market which are
harming consumers. The OFT will be required to
respond within 90 days. This will significantly
strengthen the voice of consumers on competition
matters.
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Further detailed information is available from the
Department
of Trade and Industry.
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