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ARTICLE · 30 OCTOBER 2026

UK Consumer Law Update: Autumn 2026

Farrer & Co
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UK consumer law is undergoing significant changes, with new subscription contract rules accelerating to January 2027 and the CMA wielding enhanced enforcement powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. From drip pricing fines to reference pricing controversies, businesses face a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape that demands careful review of their entire customer journey.

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Jane Randell
Jane Randell
Toby Stacey
Toby Stacey

UK consumer law is in the headlines. It was one of Andy Burnham's first announcements as Prime Minister that he was going to roll out 'everyday fixes' on the cost of living, including by ending rip-off discounts and subscription traps. Coupled with this, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) has provided the CMA with direct enforcement powers, which it has already been using to impose some eye-catching fines.

In this article, we outline some of the recent developments and what they may mean for your business.

Subscription contracts: new rules from January 2027

The government has accelerated the introduction of the new regime under the DMCCA, which covers consumer subscription contracts. The new rules are now due to come into force in January 2027, via secondary legislation, rather than spring 2027 as previously anticipated. This announcement therefore shortens the preparation period for businesses that offer subscriptions to consumers and makes an early

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