New rights for consumers

Liam O’Shea, Director and Solicitor in Astle Paterson’s Dispute Resolution department discusses the new consumer rules.

Liam said, “New rules came into force on 1st October 2015 which give anyone who buys faulty goods the entitlement to a full refund for up to 30 days after the date of purchase – including second-hand goods which may have been bought through retailers such as eBay or Gumtree.

This change has amended the current law which simply gave consumers a “reasonable time” to return faulty goods and obtain a refund.

The law also extends to purchasers of digital content, who will also be entitled to a full refund or replacement if those e-goods are faulty.   A provider of digital content could also be liable to compensate for the removal of any virus that may have been caused by the digital content is sold.

The Act also covers people buying services – so providers who do not carry out the work with reasonable care will now be obliged to correct their mistakes or refund part of the money paid to them for the provision of their services.”

Liam continued, “It is a positive step for consumers who now have more extensive and more definitive rights. The new Act also encompasses a wider range of purchases, including digital content and services reflecting the changing times. It is good to see a move to reduce ambiguity and modernise existing legislation.”

Liam O’Shea of Astle Paterson specialises in Dispute Resolution.   If you are a business or a consumer and you require clarification of how the new Act applies to you, or if you need assistance with a consumer rights dispute then please contact Liam on 01283 531366 or by email at  loshea@astlepaterson.co.uk.