CTSI HAS ITS SAY Some of the institutes contributions to government policy debate Draft guidance of the Competition and Markets Authoritys Consumer Powers Draft guidance of the Competition and Markets Authoritys Consumer Powers CMA, July 2016 From the outset, CTSI has emphasised the importance of the Competition and Markets Authoritys (CMAs) relationship with both CTSI and the wider trading standards profession. There has been some confusion within trading standards about the role of the CMA and it is hoped this new guidance will help to address that. CTSI believes it will be useful to have one source for guidance, which consolidates previous advice. The content, format and presentation of the draft guidance is good, and the objectives of the CMA are clear. However, one issue identified by the institute was the lack of detail offered on how roles and responsibilities are going to be fulfilled with diminished staffing levels. It was suggested that it might be helpful to have the priorities and portfolios of different staff or departments clearly explained in a secure part of the website, to facilitate easier communication with the relevant department when an enforcement partner has a query. With so many of the CMAs staff leaving, CTSI asked that a clear route/contact for enforcement queries, which can be shared with its members, should be identified. It also asked for a secure part of the CMAwebsite to be made available to trading standards officers, so updates of ongoing investigations, and contact details for officers, could be accessed. Because of the reduced resources available to the CMA and local authority trading standards, CTSI stressed the importance of enforcement bodies working closely together, to ensure a high level of consumer protection is maintained. It hopes that the CMA will continue to focus on its consumer role under the Consumer Rights Act and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. CTSI believes it is essential that the CMA continues to work with trading standards to protect consumers. Lead officer: Sylvia Rook For more details, and to contribute to consultations such as these, visit www.tradingstandards.uk Credits Images: Indypendenz / Shutterstock To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like CTSI has its say August 2016