The Directorate General for Consumer Affairs will be stepping up market monitoring this winter, paying special attention to the areas of banking, shopping baskets and energy, with the aim of guaranteeing the rights of consumers and the health of the population.

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This was explained today by the Councillor for Health and Consumer Affairs, Patricia Gómez, and the Director General for Consumer Affairs, Fèlix Alonso, during the meeting of the Consumer Affairs Council, a body for participation, information, consultation and advice on consumer affairs and consumer protection, in which consumer associations and business organisations, as well as the various administrations, have a voice. On this occasion, the president of the Economic and Social Council, Rafael Ballester, also took part and gave a brief speech on the economic outlook for the coming months.

Councillor Gómez stressed that, given the national and international context, the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs has decided to redouble its efforts to monitor those aspects that have a major impact on the economy of families and which fall within its remit.

Specifically, it will do so in the areas of banking, where it will monitor possible situations of lack of transparency, incorrect calculations or application of the IRPH index, among others; basic foodstuffs, where it will check that the quality of the products conforms to what is indicated on the label, and energy, where it will inspect to avoid misleading advertising or abusive clauses.

Councillor Gómez stressed that lifestyles, including food, housing, training and education, are social determinants of health that have a direct impact on the quality of life of the population and, therefore, it is essential that the institutions, in a joint and coordinated manner, ensure favourable conditions for all.

In fact, one of the priority short-term objectives continues to be the extension of the “Consum a ca Teva” programme with local councils, to promote coordination between the two administrations in order to bring the single window to citizens on consumer affairs and to update the knowledge and skills of local government workers so that they can provide users with decisive guidance. The collaboration will also continue with the island councils to reach out to the elderly, increase their personal autonomy in relation to consumption and contribute to reducing the digital divide.

Another priority objective is to consolidate electronic consumer administration and complete the digitalisation of complaints and arbitration procedures.