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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 14h

Think older people are most at risk of scams? Our research suggests otherwise. Almost 1 in 5 young Scots (18 to 24) fell victim to a scam in the past year. BBC Scotland spoke to our Director of Research and Analysis to find out why: shorturl.at/BitFv

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Consumer harm in Scotland is widespread, affordability pressures persist, and there are significant inequalities in consumer experiences. Today, we published our Consumer Welfare Report. Listen to our Director of Research and Analysis talk about its findings to BBC Scotland.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

1 in 5 people in Scotland are struggling to afford essentials like food, energy or housing. Our first Consumer Welfare Report also found 60% faced a consumer harm this year, from faulty goods to scams. Read the findings: shorturl.at/ZnsGn

1 in 5 consumers in Scotland are regularly struggling to afford essentials such as food, energy or housing costs

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Think Scotland has endless rain? Think again. Less than 1% of our annual rainfall is collected by Scotland's water infrastructure. Saving water matters all year round, not just in summer. More on Scotland's water future: shorturl.at/fx7FV #ScotClimateWeek

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

We welcome the Scottish Government's decision to extend the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme through winter. Our Chief Executive @samghib.bsky.social said the scheme gives important support this winter, but he also pointed to the bigger picture. The full statement: shorturl.at/cx59K

"The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme will provide important support to households struggling with the cost of keeping their homes warm this winter." Sam Ghibaldan, Consumer Scotland Chief Executive

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Our new report: only 54% of rural consumers in Scotland have gigabit-capable broadband, compared with 89% in urban areas. It's the largest urban-rural digital divide in the UK. 5G availability lags behind other nations too. Read more: shorturl.at/Yh3UL

Only 54% of rural consumers in Scotland have access to gigabit-capable broadband compared to...

89% of urban customers. Scotland has the largest urban-rural digital divide in the UK

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

We’re launching an investigation into AI-generated consumer advice. We will examine its accuracy, reliability and whether it reflects Scotland's laws and services. Findings will inform recommendations for action. Find out more: shorturl.at/mTbab

We're launching an investigation into the benefits and risks to consumers of using artificial intelligence (AI) tools

We'll look into:
- How consumers use AI for advice and complaints
How much they trust and check the answers they get
- How AI use is changing the enquiries received by advice and redress bodies

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

What does the latest rise in inflation mean for households? Our Director of Research and Analysis, David Eiser, spoke to BBC Scotland about the factors driving inflation. He also explored why higher prices can affect consumers differently. Listen here: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031hbh

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We welcome the Scottish Government announcement of a one year heat network efficiency funding pilot. However, we want to see a longer term programme of support, backed by sufficient funding, to deliver better outcomes for heat network users. Read the full statement: shorturl.at/sHLSn

"This fund is a first step in recognising the significant positive impact improving heat network efficiency and infrastructure can have on consumers.

To tackle the scale of the challenge facing many existing heat networks, further funding will be required to protect consumers." Alistair Hill
Head of Energy Transition

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Fuel poverty has affected between a quarter and a third of Scottish households for over a decade. Can the new Programme for Government deliver the change that’s needed? Read our blog on what it means for fuel poverty in Scotland: tinyurl.com/2tzvdd77

Fuel poverty has affected between a quarter and a third of Scottish households for over a decade. has affected between a quarter and a third of Scottish households for over a decade.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Water bills rise capped at 2% plus CPI each year from 2027-28 to 2032-33, lower than the 3.3% @scottishwater.bsky.social proposed. We welcome this, but future rises need "robust evidence, transparency and independent challenge" to protect consumers. Full statement: tinyurl.com/bdenahu9

“Consumers recognise the need for investment in water services, but want evidence any increase in charges is necessary, affordable and delivers tangible benefits” Sam Ghibaldan
Consumer Scotland Chief Executive

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Extra heating or medical equipment can push energy costs up by 75%. Today's PfG includes new financial support for the terminally ill to help pay their energy bills, following our recommendations. consumer.scot/news/scottish-government-to-deliver-energy-bill-support-for-terminally-ill/

New support is on the way for people living with a terminal illness in Scotland

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Energy bills are rising 4% from October. Our Chief Executive Sam Ghibaldan warns low income households and disabled people will be hit hardest by @ofgem.gov.uk's new price cap. Full statement: consumer.scot/news/rising-...

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

@ofcom.bsky.social wants to improve mobile coverage across the UK. It would aim for people to get good performance nine times out of 10. That's welcome. But our Director of Policy and Advocacy, Douglas White, wants extra action to support rural and island areas. Listen for more on BBC Radio Orkney

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Live in a park home in Scotland? Are you eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount? You won’t get it automatically this winter, but you can still apply. Register with Charis: charisgrants.com/partners/park-homes

If eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, you'll need to apply - you won’t receive it automatically. Click the links in our caption to find out more.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

From this winter, most low-income households in Scotland will get the £150 Warm Home Discount automatically. For this to happen, your name must be on your electricity bill by Sunday 23 August. Check your full eligibility here: www.gov.uk/the-warm-hom...

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

A new UK-wide mobile performance benchmark is good news. But averages can hide gaps. Scotland has the lowest 5G and 4G geographic coverage range of UK nations. And the highest incidence of 4G total not-spots. We need our own benchmark alongside the UK's. tinyurl.com/2fr2vpd9

It's frustrating when you can't get a mobile phone signal

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Around half a million people in Scotland rely on cash. But bank branch closures mean that for some, it is now harder than ever to access. We want a system that works for everyone. Read more: consumer.scot/blog-posts/the-consum…

Banking should work for everyone. Not just those who are comfortable online.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

When something has to give, water charges are often what gets missed. Our new research explores why 1 in 5 consumers in Scotland are in water debt. To better understand the experiences of people in water debt, read consumer.scot/news/water-debt-leave…

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Scotland’s island communities deserve better postal services. Some areas are currently exempt from the First Class delivery targets that apply everywhere else. We want to see that change. Our Head of Post spoke to BBC Reporting Scotland.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

We welcome today’s announcement by the UK Government to cut VAT on electricity bills. However, we want to see further action to address fundamental affordability challenges facing many households. Read our full statement here: consumer.scot/news/stateme...

We still want to see more targeted support for households alongside wider action to tackle the growing burden of energy debt

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Postal services on Scotland's islands are expensive and unreliable. We need the UK Government, @Ofcom and parcel operators to raise standards and tackle surcharges. Read more: consumer.scot/news/scottis...

Scotland's islands deserve better postal services

Too expensive. Too unreliable. Too unclear. People living on Scotland's islands are paying more for deliveries and waiting longer.

This needs fixed.

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Reposted by Consumer Scotland

Trading Standards Scotland @tsscot.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Thousands of dangerous counterfeit squishy toys are being seized across Scotland - they may: ❌contain dangerous substances which can cause skin irritation, nausea, headaches and breathing problems ❌have a strong chemical smell ❌burst or leak during play Read more➡️ ow.ly/n0wA50ZmNfr

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Scotland's smart meter rollout is lagging behind the rest of Great Britain. And that can be a problem for consumers. Read our analysis of what's going wrong and what Ofgem needs to do: consumer.scot/blog-posts/c...

What your smart meter should do:

- Send your readings automatically, no estimated bills

- Show your energy use in real time

- Give you access to tariffs that could save you money

The reality for Scotland:

- Many can’t get smart meters in the first place

- A lot of smart meters run in a mode with no real-time data

- That means no access to new flexible tariffs

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Bought a used car that developed a fault? You may have more rights than you think. Watch now to find out more. For free advice, call Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Water bills in Scotland are likely to rise by 2% plus inflation each year from 2027 to 2033. We welcome this being a lower increase than proposed. We are however concerned that higher bills could push more low-income households into water poverty. More: lnkd.in/efhKP_wt

Water bills increase set to be capped at 2% plus inflation each year from 2027 to 2033

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

More than half of used car buyers in Scotland reported a problem with their purchase, our survey found. Our investigation reveals why and what needs to change. Read more: consumer.scot/news/stronger-consumer-protection-needed-in-the-used-car-market/

53% of used car buyers surveyed in Scotland reported a problem with their purchase

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Social housing should work for everyone. For disabled renters in Scotland, our research shows too often it doesn't. We want to see change. Read more: consumer.scot/blog-posts/the-right-time-to-help-disabled-social-renters-is-now/

Social housing should work for everyone... For disabled renters, too often it doesn't

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Not having a safe address because of homelessness or those fleeing domestic abuse can mean missing vital letters. We’ve been exploring how ‘Address and Collect’ scheme could help people in Scotland. Read our latest blog: consumer.scot/blog-posts/tackling-p…

Missing a letter can mean missing a benefit payment. We're working to change this.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Public bodies must consider consumers in every strategic decision. That’s the Consumer Duty. We are committed to putting consumers at the heart of improved services to deliver better value for public money. That was our message at First Minister John Swinney’s Public Service Reform event.

Scottish Government's Public Reform event

The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Public Service Reform Minister Ivan McKee.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Are you on a heat network in Scotland? We'll make sure your voice is heard. Watch now to find out about new rules that are here to protect you. For free advice, visit energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660 --- @advicedirectscot.bsky.social @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Nearly 1 in 5 households in Scotland are in energy debt — double the rate from 2024. That's before a 13% rise in energy prices in July. We are developing proposals for better support for people who need it most. Read more: rb.gy/ihx7fn

Household energy prices to increase by 13% from July, just as we reveal record numbers of households in Scotland are in energy debt

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

We're recruiting a fixed-term Head of Consumer Markets. The post holder will lead consumer policy and advocacy work across a range of markets, helping to reduce harm to consumers in Scotland. Find out more and apply before 11:55pm on 27 May: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cg...

We're hiring: Head of Consumer Markets (fixed term). Closing date: Wednesday 27th May 2026

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

As a Non-Ministerial Office our social media activity is restricted until after the Scottish Parliament election in May.

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

New Consumer Scotland survey reveals the key challenges facing tenants renting from councils and housing associations. Read more: tinyurl.com/55taft6z

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Buying a residential park home in Scotland can seem like an attractive option, but it can come with its own set of challenges which need to be addressed. Read our latest blog: tinyurl.com/y2nyxh7f

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

The actions Consumer Scotland will take to help consumers and small businesses across Scotland in the coming year are set out in our latest work programme, published today. Read more: bit.ly/4lMDb1m

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

New report highlights consumer priorities for Scotland’s deposit return scheme. Simple, convenient returns and clear guidance on rules crucial to success. Read more: bit.ly/4lLApct

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Consumer Scotland has released a statement on recent increases in oil and gas prices and the impact on consumers in Scotland both now and in the future. Read more: bit.ly/4dzli3P

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

As more drivers switch to electric vehicles the UK Government is consulting on the introduction of EV Excise Duty from April 2028. In a new blog post Consumer Scotland explores how such a system would work best for consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4rZIkEV

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Consumer Scotland has made recommendations to give people living with a terminal illness extra help to pay their energy bills. New support of up to £450 per person would help address their higher essential energy costs. Read more: bit.ly/4lsAhPf

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

We are engaging with the Competition and Markets Authority on behalf of consumers in Scotland following increases to the price of heating oil as a result of the situation in the Middle East. The CMA is gathering evidence to understand how consumers may be affected. Read more: bit.ly/47G5lFc

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

We have welcomed the report by Westminster's Environmental Audit Committee on the Seventh Carbon Budget, including recommendations for the UK Government on achieving net zero. The report cites Consumer Scotland evidence on fairness, affordability and consumer protections. Read more: bit.ly/4rQ7p5S

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

The Scottish Government has announced the appointment of two new Board members for Consumer Scotland. Jane Hutchison and Marion McDonald have been appointed for a three year term until February 2029. Read more: bit.ly/4u2TniJ

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Consumer Scotland has published its latest Newsletter highlighting the key actions we have taken across the economy to help consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4rH5aBI

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

We have responded to the UK Government’s announcement on the future of the Post Office. The announcement includes measures to introduce minimum branch standards for post offices and ensure ongoing viability of rural post offices. Read more: bit.ly/46t6JL3

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

The energy price cap will fall by 7% from April Ofgem has announced. The reduction is welcome, but Consumer Scotland is seeking fundamental reform to energy support to ensure customers who continue to struggle to pay their bills get the help they need. Read more: bit.ly/46VxibQ

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Why Scotland's response to climate change depends on making environmentally friendly goods and services convenient and cost-effective for consumers. Read more: bit.ly/4avpb6I

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Consumer Scotland @consumerscotland.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Last month new regulation came into force to strengthen protections for households and businesses on heat networks. Find out more about what this important step means for consumers: bit.ly/3Mkqeyx

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