The Law Commission and Scottish Law Commission say consumers are often caught out by additional charges or find themselves tied into lengthy contracts over everyday matters such as mobile phone, utilities, financial services or gyms.

Conversely, traders who are open about their pricing lose business because competition is so fierce.  The two commissions propose amending the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 so terms relating to the price or to the goods or services being purchased would be exempt from challenge only if they are transparent and prominent in the original contract.

The consultation closes on 25 October 2012.