Citizens Advice responds to CMA market study on price comparison websites

The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has today launched a market study into price comparison websites to see how they are working for consumers.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:  “Price comparison tools help millions of consumers shop around for better deals.

"Many people assume price comparison websites are independent and that when they use them they will be presented with the cheapest deal in the market - but this is not always the case. Many services take commission from the companies they display. We think it should be much clearer to consumers how these websites select their deals.  

“We welcome the CMA's study into how people use price comparison websites - which we hope will make things clearer for consumers. Any recommendations from this investigation will need to take into account how consumers behave and make sure people have a process which is clear and easy to use.”

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.

  5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication  Advice trends .

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.