(OFT) Manchester United to revise season ticket terms

Manchester United has agreed with the OFT to revise its season ticket terms and conditions to make them clearer and fairer for fans.

Following a complaint from the Manchester United Supporters Trust in November, the OFT identified a number of potentially unfair terms with the club's season tickets under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations (UTCCRs). The club has responded positively and agreed to amend its terms to ensure that:

* every season ticket holder is now guaranteed a seat at every home league and cup game,

* the club provides clearer information about when a season ticket holder is likely to be moved from their seat for a cup match,

* if fans' season tickets are terminated for failure of credit card payments for cup games they will receive a pro-rata refund of the money they have already paid to the club,

* duplicate season tickets are issued where the original has been lost or stolen, and

* a clearer appeal process is in place to deal with disputes over cancellation of season tickets because of non-payment for cup matches. The club has also agreed to provide clear and upfront information to supporters before they buy their tickets, enabling them to calculate the maximum total cost for a holder over a season based on the club reaching the final stage in all competitions, as well as an indication of the number of home cup games in the previous campaign.

Though Manchester United did not agree that the previous terms and conditions were unfair the club has provided assurances that these changes will be implemented in time for supporters considering the purchase of season tickets for 2009/2010.

Mike Haley, OFT Head of Consumer Protection, said:

'We have worked closely with Manchester United and are pleased that the club has amended its season ticket terms to the considerable benefit of its fans. These changes greatly improve the protection for season ticket holders at all stages of the process, from upfront transparency on potential costs, to a guarantee of a ticket to all home games in all competitions.'

(DECC) Miliband backs new protection for pre-payment and other energy consumers

Action to clamp down on unfair practices in the energy market was strongly backed today by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband.

The gas and electricity regulator Ofgem has this morning unveiled a package of new rules for energy suppliers that will give consumers more power and help to seal the flaws in the retail market identified in the last year's market probe.

Ed Miliband backed the clamp down:

"The overcharging of some of the most vulnerable customers exposed in the Ofgem probe was inexcusable.

"That is why it is right that Ofgem is acting to ensure that wherever you live and whatever payment method you use, you will not be unfairly discriminated against.

"We need tough regulation to protect consumers and that is why I welcome the Ofgem proposals. I believe this is the quickest way to end the unfairness that exists.

"However, if it turns out the regulator and the suppliers can't rid the market of unfair practices once and for all, I continue to stand ready to use legislation.

"The government and regulator must be eternally vigilant on behalf of the consumer."

Mr Miliband also welcomed Ofgem's new retail proposals:

"Ofgem's new proposals on doorstep selling and SME contracts are good news for householders and firms trying in difficult times to make the best sense of the choices available."