Which? response to CMA’s Covid-19 updates on holiday letting company refunds and price gouging

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection at Which?, said:

“It is unacceptable that consumers have been exploited during the coronavirus pandemic, from being denied refunds for cancelled holidays to being ripped off by price gouging on essential goods.

“Which? reported Sykes Cottages to the CMA, so it is good to see the company has now made a commitment to ensure all customers will receive the refunds they are entitled to. Yet many others are still struggling to get their money back for cancelled holiday plans, and regulators must take strong action against any firm found to be flouting the law.

“Essential products, such as hand sanitiser, have also been sold at vastly inflated prices during this crisis, and while it’s positive the competition regulator is investigating some sellers, the government should give it more targeted powers to swiftly stamp out price gouging during times of emergency.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editor

Which? press releases:

• Which? reports holiday letting companies to regulator for withholding coronavirus refunds
• Third of people reporting price hikes went on to buy hygiene and medical products at inflated prices

Statement