News from the OFT

August 2011

OFT fines certain supermarkets and processors almost £50 million in dairy decision

The OFT has issued a decision following its dairy products retail pricing investigation, imposing fines totalling £49.51 million on four supermarkets and five dairy processors. It found that they had co-ordinated increases in the prices consumers paid for certain dairy products. The OFT currently has 21 Competition Act or criminal cartel cases open.

OFT to take action over passenger travel sector payment surcharges

Passenger travel companies have been put on notice by the OFT to change misleading debit and credit card surcharging practices or face enforcement action under consumer protection laws.

Competition and consumer regime consultations

In a speech to the Trading Standards Institute Annual Conference, OFT Chairman, Philip Collins, responded to the launch of the government's consultation on the consumer protection regime. The OFT has also responded to the government's consultation on the competition regime, which includes proposals to merge the OFT and CC to create a new Competition and Markets Authority.

OFT investigates deceptive online selling of government services

The OFT has opened investigations into a number of websites that charge people for government services that are available directly from government either at no cost or for a lower fee.

Competition law guidance launched as survey shows business awareness rising

The OFT has launched new competition law guidance, and a film including a dramatised dawn raid, to help businesses comply with competition law.

OFT welcomes Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment in Ryanair/Aer Lingus merger case

The OFT has welcomed the Competition Appeal Tribunal's ruling that it is 'in-time' to review Ryanair's acquisition of a minority interest in Aer Lingus.

Distance selling hub launched

The OFT has launched a free online Distance Selling hub providing guidance for businesses on regulations that affect buying and selling goods and services via the internet, phone, mail order, email, interactive TV or text.

Consultation on debt management guidance

The OFT is consulting on revised guidance for the debt management industry. This follows a review of compliance in the sector which found, amongst other things, widespread problems with misleading advertising and the quality of advice given in the fee charging sector.

OFT Chairman speaks on competition law: sanctions, redress and compliance

Against the backdrop of the consultation on the competition regime, recent judgments by the Competition Appeal Tribunal and developments in Europe and elsewhere, OFT Chairman, Philip Collins, has set out his thoughts on the use of sanctions and their deterrence effect.

Doorstep Selling Campaign launched

The OFT has launched another wave of the doorstep selling campaign in response to data showing that rogue doorstep selling continues to be a problem for elderly consumers.