CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT RAIL INDUSTRY EXEMPTION

That this House supports the strong objections by consumer organisations Which? and MoneySavingExpert.com to the Government decision to give the rail industry a year-long exemption from the Consumer Rights Act (CRA); considers that this exemption would deny rail passengers greater consumer protection in the event of cancellations and delays, at a time when many rail passengers are facing unprecedented levels of poor service; notes the proposed exemption means consumers will not be able to use their rights under the Act from 1 October 2016, but could have to wait another year to be eligible for compensation within 14 days, for refunds via the same method by which their ticket was purchased, for payment for consequential losses such as missed connections, and for compensation for any length of delay, without a minimum; believes the exemption, laid before the House on 7 July 2016 and to be voted on by hon. Members, is gifting train companies a licence to set their own liability and that they have had adequate opportunity and time to adjust to the regime under the CRA 2015; and calls on the Government to withdraw the legislation granting an exemption and instead protect rail passengers rights of redress for poor service as the CRA intended.