How the Government proposes to help consumers

Water. The government is driving water market competition. Business and other non- household customers will be able to switch suppliers from 2017. Ofwat will provide an assessment by summer 2016 of the costs and benefits of extending retail competition to household water customers. Following this, the government will work with water companies to begin the transition to household retail competition before the end of this Parliament.

Banking. The government will boost competition in banking with the establishment of a New Bank Start-Up Unit, making it easier for new banks to enter the market. It will also take steps to help consumers find the best bank for them. Switching can save the average customer £70 a year and heavy overdraft users £260 a year.

Broadband. Pricing in this market often lacks transparency. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is looking at whether teaser rates on broadband deals are misleading consumers, and the government expects the ASA to take swift action to ensure that prices are made clearer and costs are not hidden. Total costs can be £240 a year higher than the headline introductory rate.

Legal services. The government will further reduce barriers so that it is easier for alternative business structures, such as supermarkets and estate agents, to offer legal services like conveyancing, probate and litigation in England and Wales.

Pharmacies. The government will examine the NHS community pharmacy market to ensure that the regulatory framework and payments system are efficient, encourage competition and innovation, and facilitate online, delivery to door and click and collect, pharmacy and prescription services. This will save time for working people.

Dentistry. Pricing for dentistry can be opaque and confusing. The government will ensure that dentist treatment plans and price lists are clear and easily accessible, empowering patients in England to make the best choices.

Motor insurance. The government intends to end the right to cash compensation for minor whiplash injuries, removing over £1billion from the cost of providing motor insurance, equivalent to an average of £40 to £50 saving for each motor insurance policy.

Energy. The government will reduce the projected cost of green policies on the average annual household energy bill by £30 from 2017. The government will also make switching supplier easier and quicker. The average household could currently save £160 from switching supplier.

Mobile phones. Consumers can face costs of up to £20 to unlock their phones with an estimated £48 million spent per year. The government expects industry to start automatically unlocking customers’ handsets at the end of their contracts, and will consult in 2016 on ending the practice of handset locking for customers outside any initial contract period.

School uniforms. The government will ensure that parents and carers get the best value deals on school uniforms in England. Analysis shows that parents and carers are significantly less likely to report financial hardship when schools allow them to purchase uniform from a variety of suppliers.