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Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Consumers: Dispute Resolution

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the fee structure for ADR accreditation under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on small and specialist ADR providers handling low volumes of consumer disputes.

Answer

The intention of the fee structure is to ensure fees are set at levels commensurate, over a reasonable course of time, with the costs of CTSI performing the relevant ADR functions to the standard required, that these are predictable for ADR providers and provide cost recovery for CTSI.

CTSI do not have discretion to deviate from the fees set in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Fees) Regulations 2026. The current fees reflect that rates have not risen since 2015 and have been significantly eroded given the impact of rising costs since then.

The ADR framework under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 allows for ADR providers to charge fees to consumers for ADR services, subject to these being agreed by CTSI as proportionate. ADR providers continue to be able to refuse to take cases that they deem frivolous or vexatious.

The Department recognises there will be a period of adjustment as the new fee structure beds in and will conduct a review in the autumn to assess whether the fee structure should be further amended to ensure charges are fair and proportional for all ADR providers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6806
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Consumers Fees and charges Dispute resolution
Legislation
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk