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Burnham Unveils 2027 Rules Banning Discount Tricks, Simplifying Cancellations

8/10/2026

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Burnham Bans Discounts

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced new regulations banning misleading discount claims and simplifying subscription cancellations, to take effect in January 2027.
The plan, which Burnham said would curb £1.6 billion wasted on unwanted subscriptions, accelerates proposals first unveiled by Sir Keir Starmer in April.
The regulations require clear upfront information, regular reminders and a 14-day cooling-off period for cancellations.
Which? praised the proposals and urged rapid rollout.

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Burnham Bans Discounts

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced new regulations banning misleading discount claims and simplifying subscription cancellations, effective January 2027.
The measures are framed as immediate relief for families squeezed by rising living costs, targeting deceptive pricing that erodes limited incomes.
Citizens Advice chief Clare Moriarty said subscription traps are a widespread consumer problem.
Officials forecast £14 savings (£400 million yearly), with opposition decrying it as tinkering, urging tax cuts.

History

Historical Context

Introduced by Jo Swinson on 23 January 2014, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 consolidated the Sale of Goods Act 1979, Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 and other statutes, and gave consumers a 30-day right to reject faulty goods and new digital-content safeguards. The Act’s framework now underpins proposals to extend cooling-off rights to subscription services.

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Burnham Bans Discounts

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced new regulations banning misleading discount claims and simplifying subscription cancellations, to take effect in January 2027.
The plan, which Burnham said would curb £1.6 billion wasted on unwanted subscriptions, accelerates proposals first unveiled by Sir Keir Starmer in April.
The regulations require clear upfront information, regular reminders and a 14-day cooling-off period for cancellations.
Which? praised the proposals and urged rapid rollout.

1 / 3