Consumer Scotland is the independent statutory body established by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 to represent consumers in Scotland. It began operating in 2022 and is funded through a combination of core funding by the Scottish Government and levy arrangements with regulated industries.

Consumer Scotland’s main role is to advocate for consumers - individuals and small businesses that buy, use, or receive goods and services in Scotland - in many different areas. This includes energy, water, postal services, transport, communications, housing and legal services. It works with a wide range of organisations who are experts in consumer issues across the public, private and third sectors.

Consumer Scotland has six main functions:

• Advocacy and advice
• Representation
• Research and investigation
• Information
• Recall of goods
• The consumer duty

It has five key areas of focus:

• Reducing harm to consumers
• Increasing consumer confidence
• Encouraging public bodies to address consumer matters
• Promoting the sustainable consumption of natural resources
• Advancing inclusion, prosperity, and wellbeing

Once a year, the Economy and Fair Work Committee scrutinises how Consumer Scotland performs against these functions and focus areas.