Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will bring forward legislative proposals for a mandatory 14-day cooling off period for telecom contracts.

The existing Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide a requirement for a 14-day cooling off period, subject to some exclusions, and this applies to telecoms contracts. Generally, if a consumer enters a contract with a trader, at a distance (for example, online or over the phone) or off the trader’s premises, the trader must provide the consumer a 14-day cooling off period after the contract is entered. During this period, the consumer can cancel the contract without needing to provide a reason.