Written question asked by Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 24 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 November 2010. It was answered by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

National Consumer Councils

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the Barnett consequentials for the devolved Administations as a result of the proposed reforms to the functions of the national consumer councils.

Answer: The Government set out their proposals for the competition and consumer landscape in the context of the Public Bodies Bill in a statement issued on 14 October. That indicated that the Government are minded to shift almost all relevant central Government funding for consumer bodies towards the Citizens Advice services and Trading Standards.My officials are discussing the implications with the devolved Administrations as well as with Citizens Advice (and Citizens Advice Scotland) and a number of consumer bodies. Our main concern is how best to maintain and enhance consumer protection in the UK.A full consultation on the main proposals will take place in early 2011.Assessment of the financial implications will be made in the light of these ongoing discussions and in the context of a forthcoming public consultation on the proposals in early 2011.

Secondary information