Consumer Duty Compliance Statement: Programme for Government 2024 - 2025

Stage 3 – Assessment and Improvement of Proposal:

8. What is the expected impact of the strategic decision on consumers in Scotland?

It is expected that the impact of the PfG will be positive for consumers.

9. Has SG had due regard to the desirability of reducing harm to consumers in Scotland?

Yes

The evidence received from the second commission (detailed above) was assessed against the following questions:

• what is the impact on consumers (in this context users of public services),
• does this cause or reduce harm to those consumers?

Each portfolio area was asked to consider the desirability of reducing harm to consumers and consider whether the commitments put forward within their portfolio area meet the criteria required in the guidance.

All portfolio areas confirmed that there was no expectation of harm arising from any of the commitments put forward for inclusion in the PfG. Some, as detailed above, actively reduce harm to consumers.

From this analysis, SG can be satisfied that due regard has been given to the desirability of reducing harm to consumers within the context of the PfG.

10. Is there a need for further engagement with consumers?

Further engagement will be needed as part of standard policy development. Individual policy areas are responsible for engaging with consumers in relation to their specific policy areas and commitments in the PfG.