Consumer Scotland Explained

Agency Name:	Consumer Scotland
Agency Type:	Non-ministerial government department
Nativename:	Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Luchd-Cleachdaidh Alba
Formed:	2022
Jurisdiction:	Scotland
Headquarters:	Meadowbank House, 153 London Road, Edinburgh
Region Code:	SCT
Budget:	£2.5 million (2022-23)
Chief1 Name:	Sam Ghibaldan
Chief1 Position:	Chief Executive
Chief2 Name:	David Wilson
Chief2 Position:	Chair

Consumer Scotland (Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Luchd-Cleachdaidh Alba) is a non-ministerial office of the Scottish Government.^[1] It was established in 2022 following the passage of the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 as the statutory independent voice for Scottish consumers. This act defines the general functions of the organisation:^{[2] [3]}

• Reducing harm to consumers in Scotland
• Increasing confidence among consumers in Scotland in dealing with businesses that supply goods and services to consumers
• Increasing the extent to which consumer matters are taken into account by public authorities in Scotland
• Promoting sustainable consumption of natural resources, and other environmentally sustainable practices, in relation to the acquisition, use and disposal of goods by consumers in Scotland
• Otherwise advancing inclusion, fairness, prosperity and other aspects of wellbeing in Scotland.

Consumer Scotland does not provide direct advice to consumers;^[4] the office's role is to gather and use data and analysis to represent consumer interests to the Scottish Parliament, business and the public sector.^[2] It receives funding from the Scottish Government's annual budget, which is approved by the Scottish Parliament, and levy-funding for specific advocacy activity in the electricity, gas, post and water industries.^[5]

External links

• Official Website
• Consumer Scotland Act 2020

Notes and References

1. Web site: National public bodies directory - Non-ministerial offices. 23 August 2022. Scottish Government. 26 July 2022.
2. Web site: What we do. 24 August 2022. Consumer Scotland.
3. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2020/11/section/2/enacted Consumer Scotland Act 2020, Part 1, Section 2
4. Web site: Consumer support. 24 August 2022. Consumer Scotland.
5. Web site: Interim Strategic Plan 2022-23. 24 August 2022. Consumer Scotland. 13.