Law Commission Considers Consumer Class Actions Regime
Summary
The Law Commission of England and Wales has launched a new project to assess whether consumer law enforcement could be strengthened through the introduction of a consumer class actions regime. The project will examine the potential benefits and risks alongside existing mechanisms such as public enforcement and alternative dispute resolution, and consider how any such regime should be designed. The Commission is inviting responses to an Initial Scoping Questionnaire by 30 October 2026.
“The project will examine the potential benefits and risks of introducing a consumer class actions regime, alongside existing mechanisms such as public enforcement action and alternative dispute resolution.”
What changed
The Law Commission has launched a new project to examine whether England and Wales should introduce a consumer class actions regime. The project represents an early-stage scoping exercise, seeking views on the potential benefits and risks of such a regime and how it might be designed. The Commission has published an Initial Scoping Questionnaire with a response deadline of 30 October 2026.
Businesses operating in England and Wales that sell goods or services to consumers should monitor this consultation closely. A consumer class actions regime could fundamentally alter the enforcement landscape by enabling groups of consumers to bring collective claims against traders, complementing existing public enforcement mechanisms. Firms that have not previously faced group litigation risk should consider preparing for potential future exposure to class action proceedings. Legal advisers and consumer advocacy organisations should consider submitting responses to shape the Commission's provisional proposals.
What to do next
- Respond to Initial Scoping Questionnaire at consumerclassactions@lawcommission.gov.uk by 30 October 2026
Archived snapshot
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Law Commission to consider the potential introduction of a consumer class actions regime
Published:
April 20, 2026
The Law Commission of England and Wales has launched a new project that will consider the potential introduction of a consumer class actions regime.
Consumer laws play a vital role in protecting consumers and promoting fair competition. Effective enforcement can address persistent consumer harm, deter unlawful business practices and help ensure that consumers are treated fairly. In this context, the Government has asked the Law Commission to assess whether the way consumer laws are enforced could be strengthened through the introduction of a consumer class actions regime.
The project will examine the potential benefits and risks of introducing a consumer class actions regime, alongside existing mechanisms such as public enforcement action and alternative dispute resolution. It will also consider how any such regime should be designed, were one to be introduced.
The Law Commission is keen to hear a wide range of views and is inviting anyone with an interest to respond to an I nitial Scoping Questionnaire. Responses should be submitted by 30 October 2026. Responses should be sent to consumerclassactions@lawcommission.gov.uk
Further engagement with a broad range of individuals and organisations will take place once work on the project is underway, ahead of the publication of a consultation paper setting out the Law Commission’s provisional proposals for reform.
Professor Solène Rowan, Commissioner for Commercial and Common Law, said:
“The Law Commission welcomes the opportunity to bring its expertise in evidence‑based law reform to consumer class actions. The project will examine the benefits and risks of introducing a consumer class actions regime and make recommendations as to how such a regime might operate.”
Further details on the project are available here.
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