Burnham Brings Forward Ban on ‘Subscription Traps’ to Ease Cost of Living

The UK’s cost of living crisis shows no signs of abating, with politicians struggling to find effective solutions. Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to bring forward a package of measures aimed at tackling “subscription traps” and misleading pricing practices is the latest attempt to address the issue.

On its face, the plan sounds like a welcome relief for consumers who have been duped into signing up for unwanted subscriptions or paying inflated prices due to fake discounts and RRP manipulation. However, closer examination reveals that this is largely a rehashing of existing legislation passed under the previous Conservative government in 2024. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act cracked down on hidden fees, fake reviews online, and made it easier for customers to cancel subscriptions.

Burnham’s decision to champion these causes now raises questions about his commitment to meaningful change. Is this a genuine attempt to address the cost of living crisis or simply a cynical attempt to curry favor with voters ahead of the Budget? The consultation process that will determine how these measures are implemented also suggests that Burnham is struggling to find ways to make a real difference.

A £400 million per year reduction in consumer costs is expected from this package, but it’s unlikely to have a significant impact on the cost of living. This amount represents a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the crisis. The real issue at play here is not just about making consumer law more effective, but about addressing the systemic issues driving up costs for ordinary people.

Burnham’s government needs to get to grips with the root causes of the cost of living crisis – stagnant wages, rising inequality, and a lack of affordable housing – rather than relying on piecemeal solutions that do little more than scratch the surface. Parliament will soon return from recess, providing an opportunity for Burnham to take bold action or continue offering empty promises.

The Budget in October is an important test of his commitment to meaningful change, with consumers watching closely to see if he will finally deliver on his promises.