The campaign will not cover optional fees, like those for airline luggage, but it will try to eliminate the imposition of fees that are not included in headline prices.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) stated that under the proposed Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill, extra fees that customers pay £2.2 billion a year and are only disclosed towards the end of the checkout process have to be included in the headline price.
The measure won’t impact optional costs like airline seat and luggage upgrades, but it will impact things like movie and train tickets.
Fake reviews will also be added to a list of prohibited business practices as part of the crackdown, and website owners will be held responsible for the content on their pages.
Additionally, new grocery pricing regulations are meant to help consumers understand costs.
The plans address “unit pricing,” such as the cost per kilogram, which must be consistently shown across price points, including discounted goods, to allow customers to make an informed decision about whether they are receiving the best value.
They expand upon consumer advocacy groups’ and the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recent work.
The minister for enterprise, markets, and small business, Kevin Hollinrake, stated: “With digital baskets and supermarket shelves, consumers have more options than ever when they shop today. However, it also increases the possibility of misunderstandings, frauds, and traps, which can easily cost the general public more than they had budgeted.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the clear steps we’re taking as a government to ensure customers can compare purchases with ease, aren’t duped by fake reviews, and have the sting of hidden fees taken away.”
