As a Non-Ministerial Office our social media activity is restricted until after the Scottish Parliament election in May.

New Consumer Scotland survey reveals the key challenges facing tenants renting from councils and housing associations. Read more: tinyurl.com/55taft6z

Buying a residential park home in Scotland can seem like an attractive option, but it can come with its own set of challenges which need to be addressed. Read our latest blog: tinyurl.com/y2nyxh7f

The actions Consumer Scotland will take to help consumers and small businesses across Scotland in the coming year are set out in our latest work programme, published today. Read more: bit.ly/4lMDb1m

New report highlights consumer priorities for Scotland’s deposit return scheme. Simple, convenient returns and clear guidance on rules crucial to success. Read more: bit.ly/4lLApct

Consumer Scotland has released a statement on recent increases in oil and gas prices and the impact on consumers in Scotland both now and in the future. Read more: bit.ly/4dzli3P

As more drivers switch to electric vehicles the UK Government is consulting on the introduction of EV Excise Duty from April 2028. In a new blog post Consumer Scotland explores how such a system would work best for consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4rZIkEV

Consumer Scotland has made recommendations to give people living with a terminal illness extra help to pay their energy bills. New support of up to £450 per person would help address their higher essential energy costs. Read more: bit.ly/4lsAhPf

We are engaging with the Competition and Markets Authority on behalf of consumers in Scotland following increases to the price of heating oil as a result of the situation in the Middle East. The CMA is gathering evidence to understand how consumers may be affected. Read more: bit.ly/47G5lFc

We have welcomed the report by Westminster's Environmental Audit Committee on the Seventh Carbon Budget, including recommendations for the UK Government on achieving net zero. The report cites Consumer Scotland evidence on fairness, affordability and consumer protections. Read more: bit.ly/4rQ7p5S

The Scottish Government has announced the appointment of two new Board members for Consumer Scotland. Jane Hutchison and Marion McDonald have been appointed for a three year term until February 2029. Read more: bit.ly/4u2TniJ

Consumer Scotland has published its latest Newsletter highlighting the key actions we have taken across the economy to help consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4rH5aBI

We have responded to the UK Government’s announcement on the future of the Post Office. The announcement includes measures to introduce minimum branch standards for post offices and ensure ongoing viability of rural post offices. Read more: bit.ly/46t6JL3

The energy price cap will fall by 7% from April Ofgem has announced. The reduction is welcome, but Consumer Scotland is seeking fundamental reform to energy support to ensure customers who continue to struggle to pay their bills get the help they need. Read more: bit.ly/46VxibQ

Why Scotland's response to climate change depends on making environmentally friendly goods and services convenient and cost-effective for consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4avpb6I

Last month new regulation came into force to strengthen protections for households and businesses on heat networks. Find out more about what this important step means for consumers: bit.ly/3Mkqeyx

There is still time to help shape Consumer Scotland's Work Programme for 2026-2027 which sets out our key priorities to deliver better outcomes for consumers. Our online survey runs until Thursday 19 February. Read more and give your views: bit.ly/49UaREM

Tomorrow the Scottish Parliament will debate new legislation covering the non-surgical cosmetic industry. We support the Bill, but want improvements to ensure consumers receive greater protection and access to clear information. Read our briefing for MSPs: bit.ly/4tbpADX

Why regulation of energy brokers could help bring down the cost of bills for consumers and allow small businesses to flourish - a new blog by Consumer Scotland Energy Policy Manager Hannah Corbett. Read more: bit.ly/4bswUEW

Consumers and small businesses are willing to adopt ‘greener’ postal delivery options, but only if they are competitively priced and clearly communicated, a new report by @consumerscotland.bsky.social shows. Read more: bit.ly/49RVi1w

A new Consumer Scotland report has highlighted the scale of challenges facing Scotland’s small businesses. The survey of 700 small businesses found greatest dissatisfaction in the energy, water and telecoms markets. Read more: bit.ly/45yTQi8

Consumer Scotland has welcomed an announcement by the UK Government that the Warm Home Discount scheme will be extended until 2030/2031 with automatic payments for consumers in Scotland - one of our key recommendations. Read more: bit.ly/49PACaz

Consumer Scotland has responded to a survey by @citizensadvice.bsky.social on postal delays over the Christmas period which shows 16 million people across the UK experienced issues. Read more: bit.ly/4k4WXnH

New protections for consumers on heat networks have been announced by the UK Government and regulator Ofgem. As the statutory body for heat network consumers in Scotland Consumer Scotland will drive improvements by identifying and escalating issues of concern. Read more: bit.ly/4bhe7ML

Huge congratulations to Natasha Gilmour, Head of the Extra Help Unit at Citizens Advice Scotland on being presented with an MBE last week. #CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours

Consumers in Scotland are facing an 8.67% rise in water bills from April Scottish Water has announced. The increase highlights Consumer Scotland concerns over a projected rise in water poverty over the next few years. Read more: bit.ly/3O0y5S7

Consumer Scotland has published our Draft Work Programme for 2026-2027 setting out key priorities to deliver better outcomes for consumers. We have also launched an online survey to help shape our final work programme. Read more and give your views: bit.ly/49UaREM

Coverage by The Scotsman of our research into the experience of disabled consumers in rural areas who face a range of challenges including problems with transport which limits their ability to access vital services.

Consumers connected to heat networks in Scotland are facing a range of challenges including high prices, billing issues and reliability concerns. From next week @ofgem.gov.uk will become the regulator for heat networks across Great Britain. Read more: bit.ly/4qync8K

The need for urgent action to improve transport for disabled people in rural Scotland is highlighted in a new report. Disabled people said transport problems were a significant barrier to accessing health care, social care and leisure. Read more: bit.ly/45em3KT

We are encouraging consumers to stay safe this Christmas and into the New Year by registering electrical products they buy. Registering electrical goods means consumers will be notified directly by the manufacturer if a product is recalled. Read more: bit.ly/3XMaPsY

Front page article in today's @heraldscotland.bsky.social highlighting Consumer Scotland's recommendations to improve the Warm Home Discount Scheme for consumers in Scotland. Read more: bit.ly/4qcXIwQ

Scotland facing significant rise in water poverty as bills set to increase. Consumer Scotland urges better financial support to protect low income families. Read more: bit.ly/4sl1yWS

📣 Today we’re launching our “Worried this winter?” campaign. 1 in 3 people in Scotland say their biggest financial concern right now is their energy bills, but the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is here to listen and help. Visit our website to find out more 👉 www.cas.org.uk/worried

Consumer Scotland is urging regulator Ofcom to retain the price cap for Second-Class stamps, which provides important protections for consumers and small businesses. Read more: bit.ly/454ZPL7

Consumer Scotland has published a new report recommending greater transparency in how customer complaints are reported in the Scottish water sector. Read more: bit.ly/3KxHjUV

We are encouraging consumers to stay safe this Christmas and into the New Year by registering electrical products they buy. Registering electrical goods means consumers will be notified directly by the manufacturer if a product is recalled. Read more: bit.ly/3XMaPsY

Our Head of Investigations Craig McClue was interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 programme You and Yours this lunchtime talking listeners through our investigation into used cars. You can hear Craig from 36:59 at the following link: bit.ly/4pT25wX

Our Director of Policy and Advocacy Douglas White has given evidence to @parliament.scot on a new Bill which aims to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures. He highlighted the importance of consumers being given clear information on procedures, including risks and success rates. 🔽

Consumer Scotland is recruiting a Digital Communications Officer to work with the Head of Communications to help develop and grow our digital profile. Find out more and apply by 14th December: bit.ly/3Maqcc7

Our #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay has focused on children today. Throughout the year, we work with schools to ensure that we can deliver lessons to children to improve their knowledge of energy efficiency and how to keep warm at home.

Consumer Scotland Head of Energy Markets Barry Coughlan has welcomed measures to reduce energy bills in today's UK Government Budget, but says more work is needed to ensure energy affordability support is improved in future. Read more: bit.ly/4omNRTP

The UK Government REMA decision ruled out zonal pricing, but big reforms are still needed to the national electricity market to tackle rising bills. Our Head of Energy Markets Barry Coughlan explores the challenges ahead in a new blog post. Read more: bit.ly/4ogVKKD

Island communities are facing multiple postal service challenges that affect daily life, business and wellbeing. Our Head of Post reflects on speaking to island communities who are seeking equitable solutions in a new blog post. Read more: bit.ly/3Kjncti

Coverage of our recommendations on the non-surgical cosmetic industry by BBC Scotland at the weekend: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

We have recommended electric vehicle ownership be included in the 2031 census to support Scotland’s net zero transition. Better data will allow the design of strategies to encourage EV uptake and ensure consumers have access to essential charging infrastructure. Read more: bit.ly/4o93hLp

Consumer Scotland is recommending greater protections for consumers engaging in the fast-growing non-surgical cosmetic industry. Read more: bit.ly/49AbEfB

Our Head of Energy Barry Coughlan was interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live today on rising energy prices and the vital importance of targeted affordability support for consumers. You can hear him from 00:36:02 at this link: bit.ly/4puDvCF

Today we’ve published our latest #Energy Brief. Here’s what you need to know 👇 🧵(1/3)

Consumer Scotland has commented on the latest energy price cap announcement from Ofgem which will see a 0.2% rise in gas and electricity prices from January. We are recommending more targeted energy support for consumers who need it the most. Read more: bit.ly/48rGNk7