powers to crack down on unfair practices .

The bill reinforces the key principles that underpin the CMA ’ s work , which are about helping people , businesses and the economy . The bill has three areas of focus :

• Consumer protection : People need to be able to shop without fear of being ripped off and fair-dealing businesses should be able to compete without being disadvantaged by those who break the rules . The CMA has taken enforcement action against those who use unfair practices to dupe people into handing over their money – taking action on fake reviews , subscription traps and pressure selling . The new rules in this bill will allow the CMA to be even more effective . They will empower the CMA to decide when consumer law has been broken , rather than having to take each case to court . This will help ensure people are protected more quickly , and fair-dealing firms are not disadvantaged . The bill will also allow the CMA to fine businesses which do break the law up to 10 per cent of their global turnover .

• Digital markets : People and businesses

“ We welcome this flagship bill which provides the CMA with new powers to do even more to protect people , businesses and support the economy ”

benefit from vibrant , competitive digital markets which offer the latest products and services . The bill establishes a new , targeted regime built for the digital age , overseen by the Digital Markets Unit ( DMU ) in the CMA – that will use a proportionate approach to hold digital firms accountable for their actions – enabling all innovating businesses to compete fairly . It will set rules that will prevent firms with Strategic Market Status from using their size and power to limit digital innovation or market access – ensuring the UK remains a highly attractive place to invest and do business for all .

• Competition : Bolstered investigative and enforcement powers will mean the CMA can conduct faster and more flexible competition investigations , which identify and stop unlawful anticompetitive conduct more quickly . Changes to the competition framework – including updated merger and fine thresholds – will make it easier for the CMA to take action against mergers which harm UK consumers and businesses . Such changes will allow the CMA to continue to protect and promote open and free markets , spurring companies to innovate and bring more products to market , providing more choice for customers and creating a strong foundation for economic growth . “ We welcome this flagship bill which provides the CMA with new powers to do even more to protect people , businesses and support the economy ,” stated Sarah Cardell , chief executive of the CMA . “ This has the potential to be a watershed moment in the way we protect consumers in the UK and the way we ensure digital markets work for the UK economy , supporting economic growth , investment and innovation .”

“ People rely on free and fair markets to get the best deal possible , but also expect that rules are in place to protect them when things go wrong . Proposals to give the CMA stronger enforcement powers when firms break consumer law – including the ability to directly impose fines for the first time – are crucial to ensure we can continue cracking down on rip-offs and underhand deals , helping to deter firms from taking advantage of people .”

“ Digital markets offer huge benefits , but only if competition enables businesses of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to succeed . This bill is a legal framework fit for the digital age . It will establish a tailored , evidenced-based and proportionate approach to regulating the largest and most powerful digital firms to ensure effective competition that benefits everyone .”

“ We look forward to supporting this bill as it passes through the legislative process and stand ready to use these new powers once approved by Parliament ,” she concluded .