Category: news

New laws against sharp practice will benefit vulnerable consumers – The Times

Posted April 2nd, 2007 in consumer protection, news by sally

“We all know what constitutes sharp practice – a broadcaster charging premium rates for callers to participate in a quiz show when the winner has already been chosen is a topical example – but the law often does not provide a simple way to bring such practice to a swift end. This will change when the UK implements the EU Directive on Unfair Business to Consumer Commercial Practices, which aims to harmonise EU consumer protection law. It will introduce a general prohibition on unfair trade practices, covering advertising, sales promotion, supply and after sales issues. Much consumer legislation (including the Trade Descriptions Act 1968) will be swept away. ”

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The Times, 2nd April 2007

Source: www.timesonline.co.uk

Britain rushes to send back Darfur asylum families before court ruling – The Times

Posted April 2nd, 2007 in asylum, news by sally

“[Amuna Ibrahim] is among scores of Darfuris summoned in recent days by the Home Office. The sudden rush to deport them — some are due to be flown back tomorrow — comes before a crucial Court of Appeal ruling that could stop Britain from sending them back to Khartoum, the seat of the government that sent the murderous horsemen and bombers to wreak havoc on Darfur.”

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The Times, 2nd April 2007

Source: www.timesonline.co.uk

Prisoner goes to court over cost of phone calls – The Guardian

Posted April 2nd, 2007 in human rights, news, prisons by sally

“A long-term prisoner has launched an attempt in the high court to stop BT charging inmates more than five times the national call box rate for phone calls, claiming it breaches human rights. The action, which began last Thursday, has the backing of the prisons ombudsman, the chief inspector of prisons and reformers.”

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The Guardian, 2nd April 2007

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Poor likely to suffer in fees dispute as some legal aid firms hold out – The Guardian

Posted April 2nd, 2007 in legal aid, news by sally

“One of the biggest legal aid providers in London is among a number of law firms that have refused to sign a contract which alters pay by hourly rates to a system of fixed fees. Many refuseniks blinked first and signed “under protest” last Friday, ending a bitter stand-off over the contract between some of the top firms in England and Wales and the Legal Services Commission. But some firms are digging in their heels.”

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The Guardian, 2nd April 2007

Source: www.guardian.co.uk