New Clause 29 - Contract renewal: option to opt in

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill – in the House of Commons at 8:30 pm on 20 November 2023.

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Votes in this debate

“(1) Before a trader enters into a subscription contract with a consumer where section 247(2) applies, the trader must ask the consumer whether they wish to opt-in to an arrangement under which the contract renews automatically at one or more of the following times—

(a) after a period of six months and every six months thereafter, or

(b) if the period between the consumer being charged for the first and second time is longer than six months, each time payment is due.

(2) If the consumer does not opt-in to such an arrangement, the trader must provide a date by which the consumer must notify the trader of the consumer’s intention to renew the contract, which must be no earlier than 28 days before the renewal date.

(3) If the consumer has not—

(a) opted into an arrangement under subsection (1), or

(b) given notification of the consumer’s intention to renew by the date specified under subsection (2),

the contract will lapse on the renewal date.”—(Alex Davies-Jones.)

This new clause would allow the consumer to opt-out of their subscription auto-renewing every six months, or if the period between payments is longer than six months, before every payment. If the consumer does not opt-in to auto-renewal, they would be required to notify the trader manually about renewing.

Brought up, and read the First time.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

Division number 7 Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill: New Clause 29

Aye: 208 MPs

No: 277 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

Tellers

No: A-Z by last name

Tellers

Abstained: 1 MP

Abstained: A-Z by last name

The House divided: Ayes 210, Noes 280.

Question accordingly negatived.

Proceedings interrupted (Programme Order, 20 March).

The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83E).