News from the OFT

September 2009

'Government in Markets: why competition matters - a guide for policy makers'

The OFT has published a guide for policy makers in Whitehall and beyond on how they can identify and minimise unintended long term impacts on competitive markets when fulfilling other policy objectives. It also provides a framework for analysing how Government intervention can affect markets.

John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive, launched the guide at a Regulatory Policy Institute conference on Monday.

OFT seeks views ahead of study into advertising and pricing

The OFT is to conduct a market study looking at the impact on consumers from potentially misleading advertising and pricing of goods and services, and is asking interested individuals, businesses and other organisations for their views on the scope of the study.

Music and sports stars back OFT 'Just Tick It' campaign

The OFT has launched its 'Just Tick It' campaign warning consumers about fraudulent ticket websites.

Supported by a host of musical and sporting celebrities including, Kate Nash, Dave Rowntree from Blur and England rugby union capatain Steve Borthwick, the OFT campaign coincides with new research which reveals that 20 per cent of people know someone who has been scammed by bogus ticket sites.

OFT investigates retirement home exit fees

The OFT is issuing formal written notices to 26 retirement home firms setting out concerns over fees charged when residents sell or rent their properties.

Sale and rent back firms change or remove advertising following OFT action

Twelve firms offering sale and rent back services have agreed to change their adverts or take down their websites completely after the OFT challenged some of their statements made to consumers.

OFT launches anti-money laundering registration

Registration began last month for businesses supervised by the OFT under Government anti-money laundering regulations which aim to reduce the possibility of legitimate businesses being used for money laundering or terrorist financing.

OFT proposes referral of local bus services to Competition Commission

The OFT has published its market study into the supply of local bus services and proposes to refer the sector to the Competition Commission for more detailed investigation.

Wider use of director disqualification powers considered

The OFT published proposed changes to its guidance on director disqualification orders in competition law cases.

Know Your Consumer Rights

This year's National Consumer Week (14th to 20th September) sees the launch of the Know Your Consumer Rights campaign, a collaboration between Consumer Direct, the Trading Standards Institute, Consumer Focus and BIS.

Road testing of consumer remedies

The OFT has published 'Road testing of consumer remedies', a report jointly commissioned by the OFT and the Competition Commission (CC) from London Economics. The report examines the potential techniques that could be used by the OFT and CC to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed remedies designed to impact on consumer behaviour prior to their implementation.