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Retail returns failures are leaving online shoppers without proper refunds. A Which? investigation found inconsistent reimbursement of returned goods and standard delivery charges across several major retailers.
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Co-op’s Southern deal faces deeper scrutiny from competition regulators now. The CMA says the completed transaction may reduce competition and will require remedies or an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
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Ministers have left open further rules for advanced artificial intelligence. Existing UK regulation remains in force, but government says the framework may not always be sufficient as capabilities develop.
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Digital proof of age is now valid for alcohol sales. Licensed businesses in England and Wales can optionally accept certified smartphone-based verification alongside established physical identity checks.
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MPs say utility regulators are failing financially vulnerable customers today. The Public Accounts Committee wants better data sharing, wider social-tariff take-up, and coordinated support as energy and water debt reaches £7.2bn.
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Brussels proposes common rules for local short-term rental restrictions today. The framework would tie housing controls to measurable local stress and require interventions to be justified and proportionate.
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Brussels is proposing new rules across Europe’s €2.5tn procurement market. The planned overhaul combines simplification and digitalisation with European-preference, resilience, innovation, and strategic purchasing measures.
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Britain is widening sanctions affecting finance, trade, transport, and technology. New Iran restrictions take effect on 29 September, increasing compliance requirements across energy, banking, insurance, shipping, software, investment, and international supply chains.
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Illumina Cambridge has paid £7.44m over identified UK sanctions breaches. HMRC says the case shows companies can breach Russia controls through overseas group supply chains even when sanctioned goods never leave Britain directly.
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The CMA wants stronger detection tools across public procurement markets. It estimates bid rigging could cost taxpayers between £1bn and £3.5bn annually and is pressing for better collection and analysis of tender data.