News from the OFT

November 2010

Reckitt Benckiser agrees to pay £10.2 million penalty for abuse of dominance

Reckitt Benckiser has agreed to pay a fine of £10.2 million after admitting abuse of a dominant position in the market for the NHS supply of alginate and antacid heartburn medicines.

Reform of competition and consumer bodies

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced proposals to streamline the UK competition and consumer regimes.

The OFT has welcomed the proposed merger of the OFT and the Competition Commission.

OFT publishes review of barriers to entry in retail banking

New entrants to the retail banking sector face significant challenges in attracting customers and expanding their market shares, an OFT review has found.

Consumer credit

The OFT is taking action to address widespread problems in the debt management industry, and has taken action against a lead generation firm as part of a crackdown on illegal cold-calling practices.

Consumers warned on 'unenforceable debt' claims.

Read more details of the OFT's recent and current credit enforcement activity.

Public restrictions on competition

OFT Chief Executive John Fingleton recently delivered a lecture on public restrictions on competition, as part of the Institute of Economic Affairs' Annual Beesley Lecture series.

OFT announces outcome of CAMRA super-complaint consultation

The OFT has concluded that the pub sector in the UK is competitive overall and it has not found evidence of competition problems that are having a significant adverse impact on consumers.

Consultation on competition compliance guidance

The OFT is consulting on two guidance documents that aim to help businesses and company directors comply with competition law.

A separate consultation on how the OFT conducts investigations under the Competition Act 1998 closes on 12 November.

Guidance on land agreements following change in law

The OFT is inviting businesses to give feedback on draft guidance about the types of land agreements that might fall foul of competition law.

The OFT and Age UK have joined forces to warn people, particularly those in later life, the vulnerable and their friends and family, to be wary of rogue doorstep traders offering winter home improvement services. The campaign is featured on the BBC Watchdog website.

Selling extended warranties

The OFT has published new guidance on selling extended warranties on domestic electrical goods.

Transparency in the OFT's work

In line with Government commitments, the OFT has published new information, including on its organisation, senior salary data, contracts and tender documentation.