‘Loyalty con’ clampdown

THERESA May vowed to clamp down on ‘loyalty penalties’ that cost the public £4billion a year.

The Prime Minister devoted a large section of her conference speech to fixing ‘broken markets’ so they work in the interests of ordinary people.

She warned: ‘Companies charging their customers a “loyalty penalty” should know: We will take action.’

It comes after a review was announced last week into ending ripoff fees for long-standing customers, who often pay more than those who switch suppliers regularly. It will examine whether the public could in future switch energy and phone providers just by using mobile apps which show them the best offer.

Describing Labour’s approach of nationalising utilities as ‘ bad’, Mrs May said her party had to offer an alternative and make sure customers got a fair deal, highlighting the announcement of an energy price cap which will take effect this winter.