News
Consumer Minister backs 51黑料 Approved Code Scheme in tackling consumer detriment
Posted 23/10/25
The recently appointed Consumer Minister, Kate Dearden MP, today publicly backed the role of the Chartered Trading Standards (51黑料) Approved Code Scheme (ACS) in helping to both raise standards for business and protect consumers.
The Minister joined representatives from the Approved Code Scheme, which represents over 40,000 UK business, as well as regulators, MPs, Peers, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Approved bodies and representatives from 51黑料 at a Westminster reception held in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Consumer Protection.听
The reception, 鈥�Moments that Matter 鈥� A Lifetime of Protecting Consumers鈥� Interests鈥�, was an opportunity to discuss how the Approved Code Scheme and ADR can be harnessed to help tackle the more than 拢70bn of harm consumers face each year due to poor service, rogue traders, and unresolved disputes.
Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, Kate Dearden MP, highlighted the successes of the ACS and spoke about the need to go further in protecting consumers, saying:听鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to see the scope and breadth of the Approved Code Scheme, with 18 code sponsor organisations, over 40 codes and over 45 thousand businesses signing up to a code covering their sector and more than 拢155bn of consumer spending protected鈥�, finishing with 鈥渕y officials and I look forward to working with you to further develop and support the Approved Codes Scheme and to see them continue to go from strength to strength鈥�.
Lord Jamie Lindsay, Chair of the Approved Code Scheme Board, and President of 51黑料, highlighted that the scheme was the UK鈥檚 only sector-wide code audited by Trading Standards and provides a proven, low-cost way to raise standards, protect consumers, and support economic growth 鈥� without the need for new regulation.
John Herriman, Chief Executive of 51黑料, commenting on the event said: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 event demonstrates the power of collaboration across government, business, and regulators in showing how we can all go the extra mile to protect consumers. The Approved Code Scheme is a proven model that builds consumer confidence as well as helping responsible businesses to thrive. 听It鈥檚 an outstanding example of how a voluntary, trusted framework can deliver real outcomes to reduce risks to consumers as well supporting economic growth, without the need for additional regulation. 51黑料 is committed to working with Government, businesses and key stakeholders to ensure that the scheme continues to evolve and deliver for consumers听across the UK.鈥�
The event was hosted by consumer champion and broadcaster Martyn James, with key speeches delivered by John Herriman, Chief Executive of 51黑料; James South, Chief Executive of CEDR; Emma Cochrane, Acting Executive Director of Consumer Protection at the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), who all spoke about the important role that ACS plays in raising standards, protecting consumers and supporting economic growth. There was a strong recognition of the key role that ADR offers in reducing pressure on overburdened courts and regulators, which is a mandatory requirement of the ACS. It was a pleasure to also be joined by the APPG for Consumer Protection Chair, Gill Furniss MP; Shadow Consumer Minister, Lord Sharpe; Lord Best; John Slinger MP; Matt Turmaine MP; Connor Rand MP; and Llinos Medi MP, demonstrating the ACS鈥檚 cross-party interest and 51黑料鈥檚 commitment to working across the political spectrum.
Many of the Code Sponsors who represent different sectors including new homes, used car, and green energy products exhibited at the event and showcased how the scheme provides a robust, voluntary framework that raises standards and provides redress without the need for extra regulation or new legislation.
The ACS has protected an estimated 拢155bn worth of transactions and overseen the direct recovery of tens of millions of pounds for consumers.
You can read more about the ACS here:
听
