About the Bill
The Consumer Scotland Bill was introduced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work on 5 June 2019.
The Bill set up a new body called Consumer Scotland and gave it powers to:
- provide advice;
- represent the views of consumers;
- collect information;
- organise research; and
- carry out investigations.
Read the Bill and Accompanying Documents
SPICe Briefings
On 12 September 2019, SPICe published a research briefing on the Consumer Scotland Bill.
Stage 1
The Committee published its report on 28 December 2019.
The Scottish Government responded on 15 January 2020.
Scottish Government Response
Stage 2
Stage 2 consideration of the Bill took place on 25 February 2020 where a number of amendments were agreed to.
Official Report
Stage 3
The Bill was debated at Stage 3 on 6 May 2020.
Evidence
The Committee issued a call for views, the deadline for responses was 11 September 2019
Read the call for written views
Read the written responses
The Committee took oral evidence on 29 October, 5 November and 12 November 2019.
29 October 2019
- Citizens Advice Scotland;
- Chief Officers of Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland (COCABS);
- Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau;
- Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau;
- Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau, and
- Age Scotland
- Trading Standards Scotland;
- Advice Direct Scotland Ltd;
- Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS);
- University of Stirling;
- Sarah O'Neill Consulting;
- Competition and Markets Authority;
- Resolver, and
- British Retail Consortium.
12 November
- Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills
Correspondence
On 9 October 2019 the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans wrote to the Committee to inform it that Bill does not contain provision that relates to protected subject matter as defined by section 31(5) of the Scotland Act 1998 (as amended).
The Committee wrote to the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills seeking clarity on a number of issues raised. The Minister responded on 5 November 2019.
On 1 November 2019, the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, Derek Mitchell, wrote to the Committee following the evidence session on 29 October and provided a framework for consumer advocacy.
On 27 January 2020, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills wrote to the Committee regarding the appointment of board members.
On 7 April 2020, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills wrote to the Committee to inform it that the planned recruitment of Consumer Scotland board members had been postponed due to COVID-19.
On 27 October 2020, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills wrote to the Committee with recent developments in the establishment of Consumer Scotland.
Work by other Committees
Finance and Constitution Committee
The Finance and Constitution Committee sought written evidence on the estimated financial implications of the Bill as set out in its accompanying Financial Memorandum and received 3 responses.
Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee
The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee reported on the Bill at Stage 1.
Report
The Committee published its report in December 2019.
The Scottish Government responded on 15 January 2020.
The Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills provided further information on Consumer Scotland’s form and functions.
Debate
The Bill was debated in the Chamber on Thursday 23 January.