Introduction

This chapter considers the provision of services by traders to both businesses and consumers. It looks at the information that must be provided to potential recipients of services and also the current statutory controls over the quality and fitness for purpose of services provided under a contract.

Section 2 looks at the background to the provision of services and the ambit and limitations to contracts for services.

Section 3 looks in detail at the Provision of Services Regulations 2009 which stipulate what information must be provided to potential recipients of services and the requirement for a suitable complaints system to be established, including authorisation schemes; the provision of information to service recipients; the definition of ‘service’; the definition of ‘provider’ and ‘recipient’; Part 2 of the 2009 Regulations; the information that must be provided under regulation 8; information to be provided on request; information regarding dispute resolution; complaints; and enforcement.

Section 4 looks in detail at the provisions of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 incorporating the current implied conditions and terms relating to the provision of contracts for goods and services, including implied conditions under Part I of the 1982 Act; the common law approach; the implied terms regarding care and skill, time for performance and consideration; exclusion of liability; and Codes of Practice.