28th March 2008
Responding to the National Audit Office report, Protecting consumers? Removing retail price controls, David Sinclair, head of policy for Help the Aged, says:
“By removing price controls, regulators such as Ofcom, Ofgem and Postcomm have opened up the market. In principle this is a good idea but as older people are often less likely to shop around or switch suppliers, more must be done to ensure they aren’t taken for a ride by confusing tariffs or a lack of information.
“The over 50s are major consumers, spending around £175 billion each year and accounting for nearly half of total consumer spend(1). Through its ‘engage’ business network, Help the Aged is working with several companies to explore ways they can better meet the expectations and needs of older customers.”
