Background
One of the natural consequences of the pandemic was widespread cancellations of services, such as holiday and wedding bookings. In accordance with consumer laws, cash refunds should have been made to all consumers following cancellations. However, traders across the country ignored their legal obligations, leaving consumers out of pocket. The worst offenders at the time were airlines, holiday providers (both staycations and overseas travel) and wedding venues.
The Campaign
Dean was contacted by thousands of consumers who were desperate to get their money back. It became clear traders either did not understand their legal obligations or were interpreting the law in novel ways which were detrimental to consumers.
Dean therefore set out to educate traders on the law and raise awareness of the issue amongst the regulators and public generally.
Dean wrote to the Competition and Markets Authority about the problem, urging it to take action and setting out his view of the law.
