Market studies

The OFT actively investigates markets that do not appear to be meeting the needs of consumers and publishes the results of these inquiries.

Some inquiries will be in response to super-complaints, a route for designated consumer bodies to bring complaints to the attention of the OFT.

Market studies will be in areas where there are concerns that a particular market is not working well for consumers but where competition or consumer regulation enforcement action does not appear, immediately, to be the appropriate response. The studies will involve probing examinations of markets, practices and regulation to explore whether the needs of consumers are being well served. These will be exploratory studies to gain the best possible understanding of how markets are working. If a study reveals the need for further investigation or action under any of our enforcement powers, we will act accordingly.

Download Market studies guidance (pdf 153 kb)

The Barker Review ('Delivering stability: Securing our future housing needs') recommends that the OFT should in certain circumstances undertake a market study on new housing. See OFT statement.

Possible results of market studies include:

• enforcement action by the OFT
• a reference of the market to the Competition Commission
• recommendations for changes in laws and regulations
• recommendations to regulators, self-regulatory bodies and others to consider changes to their rules
• campaigns to promote consumer education and awareness
• a clean bill of health.

Download our form to submit ideas for market studies (Word 38 kb).  Return your form to marketstudyideas@oft.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:

Market Study Ideas (MPI4)
Office of Fair Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London
EC4Y 8JX

Download form to submit ideas for market studies (word file 38 kb)

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