The ways in which people purchase goods and services are increasingly diverse, and consumer protection legislation has not always matched the pace of this change. Gaps and loopholes often emerge in laws that were designed in response to a specific problem, rather than with an eye to emerging issues and future-proofing against innovative rogue traders. The NCC is working to ensure that the laws that protect UK consumers take account of developing technology and changing marketplaces.

Much UK legislation follows on from EU Regulations and Directives, and many of the wider policy issues of concern to the NCC are determined at EU level. UK consumer law is enforced nationally by the Office of Fair Trading, and locally by Trading Standards departments.

The NCC takes every opportunity to engage at domestic and EU levels, influencing key policies at the earliest possible opportunity on behalf of UK consumers