Earlier today I used Business Questions in the House to raise the issue of switching mobile phone contract providers with the Government.
A statement is made in the House of Commons by the Leader of the House every Thursday, during sitting times, setting out the forthcoming business for the next two weeks. Following this statement MPs may ask questions relating to the forthcoming business.
Responding the Leader of the House of Commons, Chris Grayling said,
“This is something that was addressed in our manifesto and I know that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is actually looking at this issue at the moment. I would encourage him to bring this matter before the House either through the Backbench Business Committee or through an Adjournment Debate. It is a matter that I think is very important.”
I am pleased that the Leader of the House recognised the need for legislation to make it easier for customers to change mobile phone providers. At the moment many consumers feel unable to change contract either because they don’t know how to or they feel that they can only get the best deals by staying with their current provider.
Progress on making switching providers easier has already been made with other services, such as Energy and Banking, and I believe it is time mobile contract customers were given similar rights.
Consumers need to know not only if they have the best deal available to them but also that they are getting the best value for money, and there should a clear appeals system in place for those not getting the service they are paying for.
I intend on following the Leader of the House’s advice and will be putting in an application for a debate on this issue in the coming weeks.