Rogue traders are the target of a new scheme that aims to provide better protection for consumers.

Under the new Consumer Protection Regulations, businesses will be required to comply with stricter rules governing omission of information and making misleading statements.

The regulations ban 31 specific commercial practices and could lead to hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences for those that violate the rules.

According to the National Consumer Council (NCC), the new legislation will strengthen consumer rights in Britain by banning practices such as doorstep selling and fake closing down sales, but needs to provide further safeguards.

Carl Belgrove, senior policy advocate at the NCC, commented: "These new laws represent a big boost to consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable people who are targeted by rogue traders. The one thing missing is a way for consumers to claim compensation when businesses act unfairly and we hope that will be remedied soon."

Similar legislation introduced in Ireland provides consumers with the right to take legal action under businesses that have been exposed as carrying out unfair practices and the government is exploring the possibility of establishing a similar civil redress mechanism in Britain.

Gareth Thomas, UK consumer affairs minister, claims that the regulations provide a better deal for consumers and will reduce red tape by simplifying consumer law and making it easier to enforce.ADNFCR-1287-ID-18613598-ADNFCR

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