From later this year, firms have to send you a clear reminder before a contract auto-renews, and make it as easy to cancel online as it was to sign up. That sounds obvious, but millions of people have lost money because cancelling meant a phone call during working hours while signing up took two clicks. The law now says that's not acceptable.
The other area worth your attention is the 2024 changes to the Consumer Rights Act around digital content. If you buy a subscription for software, streaming, or an app and it doesn't work as promised, you now have the same rights as you would with a physical product. That means a repair, replacement, or refund within 30 days if the digital goods are faulty. Most people don't know this exists, and companies are banking on you staying quiet.
One thing that catches people out: your rights against the retailer, not the manufacturer. If your new TV fails after six months, you go back to the shop, not Samsung. The retailer has to resolve it, and they can't fob you off with a repair you didn't ask for.
The practical advice is simple. Keep your receipts, whether that's email confirmations or bank statements. Screenshot the checkout page showing the total cost. If a company refuses to help, quote the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and remind them the ombudsman service is free to use. You don't need a lawyer, you just need to be persistent.
Most people never exercise these rights because they assume it's not worth the hassle. It usually is.
Paul