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Representation of Consumer Interest By Consumer Associations - Salvation for the Masses?

Recent reforms have been made in the UK and Europe with a view to creating new avenues for representation of consumer interest by consumer associations. These avenues include the UK super-complaint mechanism, the appointment of the Consumer Liaison Officer at the European Commission, and the introduction of new mechanisms for the participation of consumer associations in judicial proceedings. This article argues that, although the recent reforms should be considered as an important milestone in competition policy, they have not fully addressed the difficulties inherent in the representation of consumer interest by consumer associations. These difficulties include lack of legitimacy, shortage of resources and agency problems. Indeed, a reform that grants consumer associations such a central role in the representation of consumer interest should also consider these difficulties and ensure that consumer associations will have not only the opportunities but also the ability to represent consumer interest adequately. The article goes on to consider how such vital capabilities, which include proper funding and training and improving cooperation between consumer associations, can be enhanced. It is incumbent upon competition authorities to play a distinctive role in implementing these measures.