UK PM Andy Burnham Targets Subscription Traps, Fake Discounts

LONDON: (News Desk) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to tackle hard-to-cancel subscriptions and misleading discounts as part of his government’s efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures on households.

The announcement came as Burnham prepared to resume work following a break and begin a nationwide tour aimed at hearing directly from people about the financial challenges they face.

Burnham said consumers were frustrated by subscription services that are difficult to cancel or automatically renew at higher prices. His government plans to make leaving a subscription as straightforward as signing up.

According to Downing Street, British consumers are estimated to spend around £1.6 billion a year on unwanted subscriptions. New rules scheduled to take effect in January 2027 will require businesses to provide clearer information before customers sign up, issue regular reminders and offer simpler cancellation procedures.

The government also plans to introduce a 14-day cooling-off period allowing consumers to cancel following a trial or the renewal of a long-term contract.

Burnham has also pledged action against what he describes as misleading discount claims, particularly promotions based on artificially inflated original prices. The government is expected to consult on whether such practices should be added to the list of prohibited commercial practices.

Cost-of-Living Tour

The prime minister is also beginning a tour across the United Kingdom to hear directly from residents about their financial pressures. He has said the tour will focus on a simple question: what changes would actually make people’s lives better?

Since taking office on July 20, Burnham has announced several measures aimed at reducing household and business costs, including changes to energy taxation, a cap on bus fares and lower business rates for pubs and entertainment venues.

The government has pledged to develop a long-term plan for the country, while opposition parties have argued that some of the announced measures do not go far enough.