The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) is celebrating five years of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) consumer regulations.
The ADR regulations were launched in 2015 to improve relationships between consumers and traders by encouraging the resolution of disputes without recourse to the courts.
Over the past five years, more than 68,000 UK businesses joined the scheme and more than £12.7M was recovered for consumers. In April 2020, a report revealed that CCAS now protects almost £135bn of consumer transactions – a 62% year-on-year increase.
By assisting consumers and businesses, ADR helps both avoid costly court proceedings and enables disputing parties to reach an agreement more quickly. Consumers gain access to a clear complaints and ADR procedure while businesses are regularly audited and monitored to ensure they comply with the high standards set by their approved code of practice. By using an approved trader, consumers have protection above and beyond regular consumer law rights.
CTSI Chief Executive and Interim Chair of the CCAS Board, Leon Livermore, said: “ADR has proved vital for strengthening the relationship between UK consumers and businesses. I am proud of CCAS’ achievements over the past five years, and I look forward to its continuing growth and development as we come out of the coronavirus lockdown, and over the next five years.”
