Market Studies

Market Studies
The OFT actively investigates markets that do not appear to be meeting the needs of consumers and publishes the results of these inquiries.Some inquiries will be in response to super-complaints, a route for designated consumer bodies to bring complaints to the attention of the OFT.Market studies will be in areas where there are concerns that a particular market is not working well for consumers but where competition or consumer regulation enforcement action does not appear, immediately, to be the appropriate response. The studies will involve probing examinations of markets, practices and regulation to explore whether the needs of consumers are being well served. These will be exploratory studies to gain the best possible understanding of how markets are working. If a study reveals the need for further investigation or action under any of our enforcement powers, we will act accordingly.The Barker Review ('Delivering stability: Securing our future housing needs') recommends that the OFT should in certain circumstances undertake a market study on new housing.Possible results of market studies include:
enforcement action by the OFT
a reference of the market to the Competition Commission
recommendations for changes in laws and regulations
recommendations to regulators, self-regulatory bodies and others to consider changes to their rules
campaigns to promote consumer education and awareness
a clean bill of health.