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Subscriptions: Government Response to the Implementation Consultation

13 April 2026

Proposing MP
Kate Dearden Labour (Co-op)
Halifax
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business and Trade
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At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the government's response to the consultation on implementing new subscription contracts regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unwanted subscriptions and ensuring clarity and control over their spending.

Action Requested

The government is publishing its response to the consultation, planning to bring forward secondary legislation when Parliamentary time allows, with the new regime expected to commence in spring 2027. This includes measures such as extending cooling-off periods for breaches of consumer rights and preventing disproportionately difficult terms for cancelling subscriptions.

Key Facts

  • There are an estimated 155 million active subscriptions in the UK.
  • £1.6 billion is spent annually on unwanted subscriptions.
  • The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024.
  • Secondary legislation will be brought forward to extend cooling-off periods for breaches of consumer rights.
  • Charitable cultural and heritage memberships are excluded from the new subscription regime.
  • The new framework is expected to provide £400m in annual consumer benefits.
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