House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Transfer of regulatory responsibility and staff from the Phone-paid Services Authority to Ofcom
24 October 2024 · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Proposed by Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government will lay The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024 and The Transfer of Undertings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2024 in Parliament.
- The transfer of regulatory functions from the Phone-paid Services Authority to Ofcom is intended to enhance consumer protections.
- Continuity of employment for PSA staff will be ensured through the transfer process.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the transfer of regulatory responsibility from the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) to Ofcom in order to enhance consumer protections and streamline oversight in the premium rate services sector.
Action requested
The government will lay The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024 and The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2024, transferring regulatory functions from PSA to Ofcom while ensuring the continuity of employment for PSA staff. This transfer aims to maintain consumer protections in the evolving digital landscape.
Key facts
- Phone-paid Services Authority has regulated premium rate services since 1986.
- The sector includes charity donations via text message and subscription streaming services on phone bills.
- Ofcom will assume direct day-to-day regulatory oversight of premium rate services.
- A statutory instrument, The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024 (SI 2024/1046), will be laid to transfer functions.
- Another statutory instrument, The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/1047), will ensure employment continuity for PSA staff.