Firms that are failing to give refunds to customers for cancelled weddings or holiday accommodation because of the Covid-19 pandemic could face court action from Britain’s competition watchdog.
The Competition and Markets Authority has recorded a rise in customer complaints about cancellations and refunds, which it said it would now investigate. It highlighted concerns that firms are refusing refunds or pressuring people to accept vouchers for holiday accommodation that can only be used during a more expensive period.
Complaints about cancellations and refunds account for four out of five complaints received by its Covid-19 taskforce. They relate mainly to three areas: weddings and private events; holiday accommodation; and nurseries and childcare providers. The watchdog will tackle these areas first and then move on to other sectors.
Thousands of flights have also been cancelled in the wake of the pandemic, but this does not fall under the CMA’s investigation. The Civil…