The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is launching a review of several existing market remedies to determine whether they are still required. This is expected to ease the burden on thousands of businesses.
Market remedies are designed to fix competition problems identified during market investigations. They play an important role but businesses need to dedicate money and resources to comply with them, so it is important remedies remain fit for purpose.
The CMA has identified 33 market remedies (60% of all market remedies in place) which may no longer be needed to deal with problems they were designed to fix. They could, for example, have been superseded by new laws and regulations or technological advances that have transformed how consumers buy goods and services.
For example, the CMA is considering whether to remove remedies relating to the marketing practices of large travel businesses that were introduced over a decade ago, at a time when most travel was booked in-store, which would reduce compliance costs for these companies.
Major retail banks could also benefit from scrapping rules around providing payment transaction histories to customers which they can now easily access online.
A consultation will now take place until 2 March 2026.
“Remedies are vital for protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition, but they also place demands on businesses,” said Sarah Cardell (Chief Executive of the CMA).
“That’s why this review will ensure only those remedies delivering real impact remain in place – in line with the transformation we have made over the last year to deliver our work with pace, predictability, proportionality and enhanced process.
“Removing unnecessary barriers for businesses saves time and money and ensures the competition regime contributes to the UK’s reputation as a great place to do business and invest,” she said.
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