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Consumer rights in 2024–2026: the key changes every buyer should know — Articles

Consumer law in England and Wales has seen a run of significant updates since 2024. This article tracks the key changes that are now in force, explains what they mean in practice, and links to official sources and related guides.

1. Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 — subscription contracts

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduced new requirements for subscription contracts, partially in force from 2025 and fully from January 2026. The key rules: (1) traders must send reminder notices before a free trial converts to a paid subscription and before an annual subscription auto-renews; (2) cancellation must be as easy as sign-up — if you subscribed online, you must be able to cancel online by a clear and prominent mechanism; and (3) consumers have a new right to exit a subscription at the end of each billing period during which the trader has failed to comply with these obligations, without paying any exit fee. See the subscription cancellation rules news item for detail on the commencement.

2. CMA enforcement against subscription dark patterns

Alongside the new statutory rules, the Competition and Markets Authority opened formal enforcement proceedings in October 2026 against three subscription services that it found were using interface design to make cancellation deliberately difficult — including burying cancel options, requiring telephone contact for online sign-ups, and using pre-ticked "stay subscribed" options. The CMA's action is under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. See the CMA enforcement news item.

3. Consumer Rights Act 2015 — digital content rights now well-established

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 — the main pillar of UK consumer law — gives you three key rights for digital content: it must be of satisfactory quality; it must be fit for the purpose you told the trader about; and it must match its description. If it falls short, you have a right to repair or replacement first, then a price reduction or refund if repair or replacement is not possible or not done within a reasonable time. These rules apply to paid digital content, apps, software, music downloads, and games. See the your rights on digital content article for the full detail.

4. Buy Now Pay Later — incoming regulation

The Financial Conduct Authority is due to extend its regulatory perimeter to cover Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products — short-term deferred payment arrangements currently outside the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Once in force, BNPL lenders will need FCA authorisation, must conduct creditworthiness assessments, and consumers will have a 14-day right to withdraw. The FCA commencement date has been pushed back; it is now expected in 2027. See the BNPL FCA regulation news item.

5. Your 30-day right to reject goods

One of the most powerful rights that many consumers still do not know about: under Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.20, if goods are not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described, you have a short-term right to reject them and get a full refund within 30 days of delivery. You do not have to accept a repair or replacement in the first 30 days. After 30 days, the trader gets one attempt to repair or replace, and only after that can you claim a price reduction or final right to reject. The faulty goods refund guide and the faulty service refund guide cover both goods and services.

6. Consumer rights for services

Services (work done for you — building, plumbing, legal, financial advice) are covered separately by CRA 2015, ss.49–54. The implied terms are: performed with reasonable care and skill; within a reasonable time if no time is agreed; and for a reasonable price if no price is agreed. If a service falls short, the trader must redo the deficient part (or reduce the price) — there is no 30-day right to reject for services. See the faulty service refund guide.

What has not changed — and common misconceptions

A few persistent myths: (1) "I have 14 days to return any goods I bought online." True for change-of-mind returns under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, but not for goods with certain exceptions (bespoke items, perishables, sealed hygiene products opened after delivery). The 14-day right is a cancellation right, not a fault-based right. (2) "I need a receipt to return faulty goods." False — any proof of purchase (bank statement, order confirmation, delivery note) is sufficient. (3) "Shops can offer store credit instead of a refund." False for faulty goods — if you are entitled to a refund under the CRA 2015, you are entitled to money back, not a voucher, unless you choose otherwise.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always check the official source and consult a qualified lawyer for your situation.