Tag: Consumer Rights
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British Gas took 15 months to refund £1,500: consumer frustration grows
Long Wait for a Refund Highlights Gaps in Customer Care In what many are calling an unacceptable delay, a British Gas customer spent more than a year waiting for a final bill to be issued and for a credit of over £1,500 to be refunded. The customer says the process stretched to 15 months, a…
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Malaysian Customers Seek Amicable Resolution with Influencer Over Lab-Grown Diamonds
Background of the Dispute In Kuala Lumpur, a dispute involving an influencer and a group of customers has taken a constructive turn. The conflict centers on the alleged sale of lab-grown diamonds marketed as real diamonds. As concerns about authenticity, value, and consumer rights mount, the parties have signaled a preference for an amicable settlement…
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Why Businesses Are Hiking Prices Unfairly
Introduction: The Price Hike Problem Since the start of a new tax regime, many Nigerian shoppers have noticed a troubling trend: prices for everyday goods and services are rising at a pace that outstrips inflation. While tax reforms aim to level the playing field and increase government revenue, Saturday PUNCH findings suggest that some businesses…
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Why Prices Are Rising Unfairly: How Businesses Exploit New Tax Rules
Introduction: A Sharp Rise in Prices and Public Concern Across many parts of the country, consumers report unexpected price hikes on everyday goods and services following the rollout of newly introduced tax laws. While tax reforms are meant to simplify and standardize how firms contribute to public finances, investigations and market observations show that a…
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Why Businesses Are Hiking Prices Unfairly: A Closer Look at Tax Changes and Market Ethics
Introduction: A Growing Concern for Consumers Across regions, shoppers are noticing a familiar pattern: prices for everyday goods and services creeping upward in ways that seem disconnected from production costs. Saturday PUNCH’s investigations point to a troubling possibility — some businesses are using newly introduced tax laws as cover to arbitrarily raise prices. This article…
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What Changes Hit Australia on 1 January 2026: Cheaper Medicines, Cash Rules, and New State Laws
Overview: What to Expect on 1 January 2026 As the calendar turns to 2026, Australians will encounter a bundle of policy updates and practical changes designed to ease costs, streamline services, and tighten cash-handling requirements. From cheaper medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to a new Medicare phone service and mandatory cash acceptance rules…
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Gyms Push Back on Law Change That Would Ease Cancellation
Industry argues the proposal could destabilize fitness businesses The peak industry body for fitness centers has voiced strong opposition to a proposed tightening of consumer law that would make it easier for customers to cancel memberships and terminate subscription-based contracts. While supporters argue the change would empower consumers and curb deceptive practices, gym operators say…
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When Can You Get a Refund or Exchange Under Australian Law? Your Guide to Consumer Rights
What Australian Consumer Law Covers Australian consumer law (ACL) provides a baseline of consumer guarantees that apply to most goods and services. These guarantees protect you when products are faulty, don’t do what they’re supposed to, or aren’t of acceptable quality. The law also sets out clear expectations for service delivery, including timing, reasonable care,…
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Couple Loses Home Loan Complaint Over $50,000 Break Fee
Case backdrop: A decision that disappointed the couple A couple who decided to fix their home loan for five years in 2023 faced a setback when they filed a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman. The central issue was a substantial break fee, reported to be around $50,000, charged when they chose to exit the fixed-rate…
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Home loan break-fee dispute ends: couple loses ome ombudsman ruling
Couple loses home loan complaint after fixed-rate decision A couple who regretted fixing their home loan for five years in 2023 has not been successful in their complaint against their bank. The matter, recently detailed in a case note by the Banking Ombudsman, highlights the challenges some borrowers face when negotiating fixed-rate products and the…