Parliamentary.ai

Overview

The Small Print Bill aims to improve consumer protection by mandating minimum text sizes for terms and conditions in advertisements and contracts for goods and services. This ensures that consumers can easily read the details before entering into agreements.

Description

This bill requires the Secretary of State to create regulations specifying minimum text sizes for terms and conditions in advertisements and contracts within 12 months of the bill passing. These regulations can vary depending on the type and part of the advertisement or contract. The Secretary of State must consult relevant organisations before setting these regulations. The bill defines "advertisement" as letters or notices in publications or websites offering goods or services (excluding fixed billboards) and "contract" as an agreement for providing goods or services. Crucially, any contract relying on terms and conditions that don't meet these regulations will not be legally binding.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. Costs will likely arise from the development and enforcement of the regulations by the Secretary of State's department. There's potential for increased costs to businesses if they need to redesign their materials to comply with the new requirements.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• Businesses: Businesses selling goods or services will need to adjust their advertising and contracts to meet the minimum text size requirements. This may involve costs associated with redesigning marketing materials and updating contracts.
• Consumers: Consumers will benefit from clearer and more easily readable terms and conditions, improving their understanding of contracts before entering into them, reducing the potential for misunderstandings and disputes.
• Government Agencies: Agencies responsible for enforcing the regulations will incur administrative costs.