New bid to make small print clearer

Consumers will have greater protection from unfair terms hidden in the small print under new proposals.

Fierce competition, often fuelled by price comparison websites, could be driving some traders to hide their full costs, the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission said.

The commissions are seeking views on proposals to protect consumers from unexpected charges and to require terms to be written in plain language.

Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, all details in consumer contracts may be challenged for fairness unless they are specifically exempt.

However, the commissions are proposing that details relating to the price or the main subject of the contract should be exempt from challenge only if they are transparent and prominent.