"As my hon. Friend knows, we have had a number of debates about this issue in the House, and the House has expressed its view. The Government recently held a consultation, to which thousands of responses were received. We are now considering those responses, and will issue our own response …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss this issue. The Insolvency Service is having to look at the way in which it manages its estate. The number of insolvencies has been dropping significantly year on year, and it has to make the best use of its resources...." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"The Government have previously considered the case for small businesses to have rights when buying goods and services that are more aligned with consumers, and consulted on this question in 2008 and 2012. We have continued to engage with representatives of small business on this matter. The Federation of Small …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman raises an important point, and the Government take concerns from business about unfair payment terms very seriously. For example, as he says, receiving payments promptly can be critical to the survival of a small business. That is why the Department launched a discussion paper called “Building a …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"Citizens Advice received 2,831 calls on issues concerning estate agents from February 2013 to January 2014. The Office of Fair Trading investigated 114 complaints against estate agents from April 2013 to October 2013. Trading Standards continues to carry out enforcement activity against rogue estate agents. From 1 April, the Competition …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"This particular issue has not been raised with me, but I am happy to take it up with the enforcement authorities and the two redress schemes. I will ask the Office of Fair Trading and the CMA to consider the matter on behalf of the right hon. Gentleman...." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"As the hon. Lady says, this is a potentially worrying and emerging trend that seems to be on the increase. I have already written to the redress schemes to ask them to examine the matter. From 1 April, Powys county council takes over responsibility for the overall enforcement of licensing …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"At the moment, both trading standards and the OFT possess enforcement powers relating to estate agents. From 1 April, we are simplifying the landscape by transferring the OFT’s powers to the lead authority, Powys county council. There is a precedent for having a lead local authority effectively to address functions …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"Retail is a highly competitive sector, particularly in the grocery market, with multiple companies competing for market share on price, brand and quality. Retailers are quick to respond to changing consumer preferences. The Competition Commission’s 2008 assessment of the groceries sector found that it was generally working well and that …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech
"I fully support competition in the retail sector, with its benefits for consumers. The competition regime in the UK is designed to ensure that competition works in the best interests of consumers; it is not intended to protect incumbent businesses from competition. The Government remain committed to a town centre …..." Jenny Willott - View Speech