Andy Burnham's government is bringing forward protections against subscription traps to January 2027, accelerating plans originally announced under Sir Keir Starmer in April to help households cope with living costs. The measures will force businesses to provide clearer sign-up information, issue regular reminders, and make cancellations easier, alongside a 14-day cooling-off period after trials end or contracts renew.
Ministers will also launch a consultation this autumn on banning misleading pricing practices, including fake reductions and invented recommended retail prices, with deceptive discounts added to the Competition and Markets Authority's list of banned practices. The government estimates the combined package will save consumers £400m a year, or up to £170 per person, at a time when roughly £1.6bn annually is spent on unwanted subscriptions.
The announcements form part of a broader policy blitz that includes a £2 bus fare cap, a VAT cut on household electricity bills, and a 20 per cent business rate cut for pubs and live music venues. Chancellor John Healey will deliver the first Budget on 28 October.