Institute of Consumer Affairs

⚠️ Product Recall: Drop Dead Gorgeous Pumpkin Spice Light Up Skull Diffuser sold by Next (2409-0125)⚠️ Risk of injuries. gov.uk/product-safety… #productrecalls #ukrecallsandalerts

Did you know some fancy dress costumes are highly flammable so they can ignite almost instantly and burn fast? Look for a label that says: “This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability” and stay well away fire. Learn more: capt.org.uk/halloween/

📰News Story: OPSS issues Safety Alert to warn of the risks of water beads.⚠ Read more here: gov.uk/government/new… #safety #ukrecallsandalerts

We’ve launched our investigation regarding the sale of tickets for #OasisLive25, including how so-called ‘dynamic pricing’ may have been used. We’re looking at how Ticketmaster may have broken #ConsumerProtection law. Read our press release: gov.uk/government/new…

CTSI is calling for improved protections to prevent shoppers from being misled by loyalty promotion deals, in response to a new report from @WhichUK highlighting 'murky and confusing' loyalty pricing practices among UK retailers. Read more here: ow.ly/YXBE50T3VI7

Our little ones often take us by surprise, suddenly doing things that we didn’t even know they could. And, as they are top-heavy they don’t have to fall far to suffer a serious head injury. So, get into the habit of using the straps on the highchair every time you use it.

Following our action, #Wowcher will change the way it promotes products and services to customers to address concerns it may be misleading or unfairly pressuring them into making quick purchases. Read more: gov.uk/government/new… #ConsumerProtection #OnlineShopping

We've updated our summer safety page with top tips to keep children safe this summer. Take a look: capt.org.uk/focus-on-summe…

🛠 We’re consulting on new compliance advice for businesses running #trader recommendation websites or apps that people use to find a trader to carry out home improvement, maintenance, or repair work. Have your say by 16 August 2024: connect.cma.gov.uk/compliance-adv…

With the arrival of warmer weather, many of us will have the windows open to let some cool air in. But, if you’ve got young children at home, it’s important to be aware of the dangers. Learn more: capt.org.uk/falls-from-ope… #ChildSafety #SummerSafety #UKHeatWave

🚨SCAM WARNING: Watch out for these FAKE McAfee emails, they've been reported to us over 4,500 times. ✅Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk ℹ️ Your reports enable us to remove emails and websites used to perpetrate fraud. #PhishyFridays

Child Safety Week is less than one month away. And we’re making it easier than ever to get #SafetySorted. Simply download our brand-new display pack for colourful posters to bring your #ChildSafetyWeek displays to life. capt.org.uk/resources/disp… #ChildSafety

1/2 As part of our ongoing #groceries work, we’ve found that some #retailers are not displaying prices clearly and accurately. Overall, we found more issues at smaller retailers. Read more: gov.uk/government/new…

We’re consulting on draft consumer protection law compliance guidance for unregulated providers of will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services. We’re inviting interested parties to respond by 13 June 2024. Read more: gov.uk/government/con…

After a wonderful day reflecting on the past, present and future challenges of the Institute and consumer affairs landscape, it’s time for our members and guests to sample some ICA cake and network. Thank you to all our speakers, guests and members for celebrating with us today🎉

Our final speaker for this afternoon is our current Chair, Nikki Pasek. Nikki tells us about the future of our Institute and how we are building on the wonderful, rich history we have heard about today, to modernise and future proof the ICA for the years to come. #50yearsofICA

Peter Stonely was our Chair between 2013 - 2021. Peter shares his recollection of these times, including leaving the EU, navigating the pandemic and finding the Institute’s voice again. Peter highlights the great benefits of the Newsgroup and encourages us all to use it more.

Our next Chair from 2006 - 2012, Alan Miles, shares his stories about the challenges and successes during this time, including the Olympic Games and the successes of collaborative working.

Next, Des O’Brien, our Chair from 2004 - 2006 tells us about the Consumer Support Network, the importance of consumer advice services and the real need for organisations to work together both, then and now.

Our next speaker was Lynn Gould, our Chair from 1991 - 1993. Lynn shared some fantastic stories about those times and gave our members an insight into the changing times, new challenges and the wonderful AGM events and fantastic sense of community within the Institute.