Consumer Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Luchd-Cleachdaidh Alba) is a non-ministerial office of the Scottish Government.[2] It was established in 2022 following the passage of the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 as the statutory independent voice for Scottish consumers. This act defines the general functions of the organisation:[3][4]

  • Reducing harm to consumers in Scotland
  • Increasing confidence among consumers in Scotland in dealing with businesses that supply goods and services to consumers
  • Increasing the extent to which consumer matters are taken into account by public authorities in Scotland
  • Promoting sustainable consumption of natural resources, and other environmentally sustainable practices, in relation to the acquisition, use and disposal of goods by consumers in Scotland
  • Otherwise advancing inclusion, fairness, prosperity and other aspects of wellbeing in Scotland.
Consumer Scotland
Scottish Gaelic: Luchd-Cleachdaidh Alba
Logo of Consumer Scotland
Agency overview
Formed2022
TypeNon-ministerial government department
JurisdictionScotland
HeadquartersThistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh[1][2]
Annual budget£2.4 million (2023-24)[2]
Agency executives
  • Sam Ghibaldan, Chief Executive
  • David Wilson, Chair
Websiteconsumer.scot

Consumer Scotland does not provide direct advice to consumers;[5] the office's role is to gather and use data and analysis to represent consumer interests to the Scottish Parliament, business and the public sector.[3] It receives funding from the Scottish Government's annual budget, which is approved by the Scottish Parliament, and levy-funding for specific advocacy activity in the electricity, gas, post and water industries.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Contact us". Consumer Scotland. 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "National public bodies directory - Non-ministerial offices". Scottish Government. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b "What we do". Consumer Scotland. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  4. ^ Scottish Parliament. Consumer Scotland Act 2020 as amended (see also enacted form), from legislation.gov.uk.
  5. ^ "Consumer support". Consumer Scotland. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  6. ^ "Interim Strategic Plan 2022-23" (PDF). Consumer Scotland. p. 13. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
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