Nineteenth Report - Protecting consumers from unsafe products
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 180
30 September 2021
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Nineteenth report from Session 2021-22 · published 14 Dec 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
8 results
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (the Department), including its Office for Product Safety and Standards (the OPSS), on product safety regulation …
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Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledges the committee's introductory statement about taking evidence and confirms this document serves as its response to the report.
HM Treasury
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9
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The regulatory regime places responsibility on businesses to ensure the products they make and sell...
Conclusion
The regulatory regime places responsibility on businesses to ensure the products they make and sell are safe. The OPSS therefore relies on influencing businesses to follow regulations and prevent harm being caused by unsafe products. Despite the OPSS’s work issuing …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees, outlining existing consumer safety campaigns, a Business Reference Panel, and plans to enhance understanding of consumers and businesses. It also clarifies the 24% statistic on business awareness.
HM Treasury
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15
Conclusion
Written evidence from Which?
Conclusion
Written evidence from Which? highlighted the increasing importance of international cooperation to support product safety in the UK, particularly in relation to information sharing and enforcement cooperation. Which? suggested that this be achieved through trade negotiations and international organisations such …
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HM Treasury
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16
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The products consumers buy, and the way they buy them, are changing quickly.
Conclusion
The products consumers buy, and the way they buy them, are changing quickly. For example, internet sales as a proportion of total retail sales in the UK jumped from 27% in 2020 to 36% today—while this jump was likely related …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's broader conclusion on regulatory gaps, stating that OPSS has conducted research, initiated a major review of the product safety system, and is developing strategies to address new risks from online marketplaces and emerging technologies.
HM Treasury
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18
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The OPSS estimated that 15% of products bought for the home now include ‘smart’ technology.
Conclusion
The OPSS estimated that 15% of products bought for the home now include ‘smart’ technology. Products that are connected to the internet create new product safety risks, such as cyber-security risks in the example of a baby monitor which could …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's broader conclusion on regulatory gaps, stating that OPSS has conducted research and initiated a major review of the product safety system, and is developing strategies to address new risks from emerging technologies and online marketplaces.
HM Treasury
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19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The regulatory system for product safety is facing multiple new challenges that it will need...
Conclusion
The regulatory system for product safety is facing multiple new challenges that it will need the skills and resources to be able to respond to. For example: the OPSS and Trading Standards services will need to give greater consideration to …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion that the regulatory system needs to meet new challenges, stating that the OPSS is currently reviewing the product safety framework to ensure it is flexible and fit for the future, particularly regarding new technologies.
HM Treasury
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21
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Local authority Trading Standards services have experienced significant resourcing challenges, including a 39% real-terms reduction...
Conclusion
Local authority Trading Standards services have experienced significant resourcing challenges, including a 39% real-terms reduction in funding in the past 10 years. The OPSS told us that services’ funding varies enormously throughout the UK, as some Trading Standards are very …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the fundamental role of Trading Standards and details existing support including £12 million funding to National Trading Standards and £1.25 million to Trading Standards Scotland, alongside capability building and national coordination efforts, and states OPSS will continue to inform central government discussions on maintaining service effectiveness.
HM Treasury
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24
Conclusion
Acknowledged
There is also a question over the status and governance of the OPSS, and whether...
Conclusion
There is also a question over the status and governance of the OPSS, and whether it could be more effective with its own independent duties and powers. It was originally set up as an office within the Department, rather than …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendation to re-examine the OPSS's governance and independence, stating that OPSS will detail progress on its future product safety regulation plan within six months and is committed to transparency and accountability.
HM Treasury
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