AGP Executive Report

Water squeeze and bills: Andy Burnham is set to challenge Ofwat’s plan to allow “surge pricing” during droughts, as hosepipe bans spread and the Met Office warns of heavy rain plus a sharp temperature drop later this week. Drought rules hit consumers now: Wessex Water’s first hosepipe ban in 50 years begins for 1.4m customers, with more than 27m already facing restrictions. Supermarket quality checks: Which? says Waitrose is the worst for online orders arriving with short shelf life, while Morrisons shoppers reported a leaked opened item. Pub noise crackdown: Wetherspoons bans loudspeaker music and phone calls across all 792 pubs, asking customers to use silent mode or earphones. Identity and payments tech: Shufti gets a Gartner Magic Quadrant “Honorable Mention” for identity verification, while Elavon and Sage renew a payments partnership for UK and Ireland SMEs. AI and jobs boost: Lanarkshire’s AI Growth Zone lands a £300m package including Dell, aiming to support thousands of jobs and training. Consumer safety/health: UK gel nail rules tighten with a ban on certain products over fertility concerns.

Beauty Rules: A UK gel nail ban starts after new restrictions on TPO, meaning salons can’t buy or sell TPO-containing gel products (existing stock allowed until Feb 14, 2027). Water Woes: Wessex Water has imposed its first hosepipe ban in 50 years, affecting 1.4m customers, as the Met Office warns of a “most changeable week” with heavy showers that could still bring flooding risk. Bills & Support: Ofwat has approved extra water spending, and experts warn many households may be missing discounts worth hundreds of pounds. Consumer Tech & Privacy: Sainsbury’s suspended live AI facial recognition scanning after a customer was wrongly flagged as a shoplifter. Transport Competition: Regulators have approved Virgin Trains to run up to 20 return services a day through the Channel Tunnel from 2030, bringing real competition to Eurostar. Food & Retail Deals: Morrisons cafés have started rolling out Harry Ramsay’s fish and chips (32 locations so far). Health Admin: DVLA says drivers can now notify medical conditions online for a wider range, potentially saving up to 10 days. Business Moves: Lactalis is set to buy Saputo’s UK dairy business, including Cathedral City, Davidstow and Wensleydale.

Water Bills Shock: Ofwat is set to allow water companies in England and Wales to add “surge pricing” during droughts, pushing households to pay more when shortages bite. Heat & Insurance Gap: Europe’s repeated heatwaves are hitting businesses hard, but insurers often struggle to cover the knock-on costs of disruption, not just building damage. Data Breach Fallout: A misconfigured public portal in the Police National Legal Database has exposed names, employers and work emails for 100,000+ UK police and criminal justice staff, with more personal details from “Ask the Police” also leaked. Consumer Tech & Safety: Which? warns of a new card fraud scam where victims are tricked into approving card payments, and banks may not refund. Retail Bargains: Co-op is cutting bread, milk and eggs to as little as 15p/30p via a 24-hour Uber Eats deal. Mobile Connectivity: Vodafone Business and TCS are partnering on AI-led digital transformation for UK enterprises. Transport Rules: TransPennine Express says ticketless travel remains common, with thousands of penalty fares issued after 20m checks. Food Supply Stress: A UK supply-chain warning flags how drought and extreme weather threaten food availability, with the UK importing nearly half its food. Online Fashion Watch: Analysts value Shein at about $35bn–$40bn ahead of its proposed IPO.

Cost of Living & Inflation: UK inflation is expected to jump to 2.9% in July as Ofgem’s 13% energy price cap rise adds about £221 to typical bills, with analysts warning the shock could keep prices elevated into winter. Water Bills Under Pressure: Ofwat is considering seasonal and usage-based “surge pricing” for droughts, potentially letting households pay more in summer and less in winter—an idea critics say risks penalising customers for long-running failures. Heatwave Housing Reality: Citizens Advice research and tenant accounts highlight “heat trap” social housing, with many lacking basic controls to stop flats overheating during extreme temperatures. High Street Fallout: River Island is set to close more stores after earlier closures, while a 112-year-old Cheshire department store Hancock & Wood has shut for good. Energy Supplier Costs: Octopus Energy faces backlash after reporting “wasted wind” costs—wind farms being turned off while gas plants run—adding pressure on household bills. Retail & Consumer Deals: Home Bargains is selling a £180 “limited edition” 10-piece beauty kit for £29.99, and shoppers are rushing for a new huge Terry’s Chocolate Orange bar. Tech & Payments: OpenAI expands ChatGPT advertising into the UK, while Ecommpay says failed subscription payments can drain about 9% of revenue for e-commerce subscription firms. Transport & Safety: Uber has rolled out in-app audio recording across the whole of the UK to help with safety reports. Food & Consumer Standards: A Welsh spa stay gets a rave review, and a Northumberland coffee supplier wins a top Great Taste award for a Rwanda single-origin bean.

Energy Support: Ofgem says millions of households could still get a £150 Warm Home Discount boost this winter, but the scheme is currently closed and reopens in October 2026—check eligibility and contact your supplier if you’re in arrears. Household Protections: Ofgem also reminds customers in energy debt that they can ask for fair treatment, clearer bills, and support like the Priority Services Register, plus wider grants. Energy Bills & Water: Government-backed plans would let water firms charge more during droughts via “surge pricing” tied to scarcity, likely requiring smart meters. Scams & Safety: Dudley Council warns of fake GoFundMe pages after the Stourbridge fire—donate only via official channels; Amazon and eBay also remove disposable BBQ listings after a ban. Food & Product Recalls: The FSA flags “do not eat” items and a wider recall list hitting retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Home Bargains, Asda, Morrisons, B&Q, Next and Amazon—check what you bought. Travel Shock: Firefly Holidays has entered liquidation and stopped arranging trips. Retail & Fashion: M&S teams up with streetwear label Aries for a St Michael capsule collection, with prices from £10 to £120. Tech & Finance: HMRC confirms Winter Fuel Payment recovery rules from 2025/26, with deductions via tax code for many PAYE customers.

High-Street Comeback: Karen Millen is returning to UK high streets after seven years, with new concessions opening at Fosse Park (Leicester) on Aug 14 and Aberdeen’s Union Square plus Liverpool One on Aug 17. Consumer Health Warning: Campaigners are renewing calls for a UK ban on engineered quartz worktops after more silicosis cases linked to silica dust from cutting and installation. Energy Deals: British Gas says over a million customers will get half-price electricity every Sunday (11am–4pm) via PeakSave, with savings shown in the app and on bills. Home & Money: HMRC has clarified a tax-free “gift” rule for couples with separate personal savings accounts, explaining who is responsible for tax on interest. Retail & Loyalty: Tesco is partnering with the RAC for a 1 million Clubcard points giveaway, with shoppers entered when they convert points to a Tesco Clubcard code for RAC Breakdown Cover (Aug 3–31). Travel Disruption: Transport for Wales is making temporary rail changes from Aug 17 due to train shortages from maintenance backlogs and supply-chain disruption. Packaging Update: Heinz is launching a “love lid” on UK ketchup bottles, letting shoppers choose how much sauce squeezes out. Safety & Service: Royal Mail reiterates delivery timing guidance, including that post should not be knocked before 7am.

Zero-Emission Car Targets Review: The UK has launched a consultation on easing 2030 zero-emission vehicle targets, with options that could cut the 2030 EV sales requirement while keeping the 2035 end date, as carmakers cite supply-chain issues and weaker demand. Health Product Approval: The MHRA has approved vimseltinib (Romvimza) for adults with tenosynovial giant cell tumours where surgery isn’t suitable, adding a new treatment option. Consumer Transport Costs: A consumer expert warns drivers abroad to avoid car-hire “hidden extras” like excess protection and fuel mark-ups, urging early booking and saying no to desk upsells. Retail & Hospitality Pressure: CAMRA says hundreds of pubs have closed this year; meanwhile, England is set to cut business rates for pubs by 20% from the next tax year, though landlords say it may not be enough. New Nail Salon Ban: A UK ban on TPO in gel nail varnishes comes into force, with salons able to use existing stock until 2027. Energy & Bills Relief: FortisBC is offering automatic bill credits and payment relief to customers evacuated for five-plus consecutive wildfire days. Tech for Trades: Sophiie AI has raised seed funding to expand its AI operating system for trades and service businesses, including in the UK. Heatwave Reality Check: Reports highlight extreme heat impacts across services, including NHS strain and transport problems.

EV Policy Watch: The UK government has launched a consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, looking at how to end new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 and make all new cars and vans zero-emission by 2035, with submissions open until 23 October. Energy & Charging Support: Andy Burnham’s government confirms a £600m push to expand EV charge points, plus analysis saying home off-peak charging can save drivers up to £1,400 a year. Consumer Rights at Restaurants: A guide explains when service charges are optional versus compulsory, depending on whether they’re clearly presented as discretionary. Banking Deals: Nationwide has boosted rates on new Fixed Rate Cash ISAs and Fixed Rate Bonds, while multiple banks are offering switch bonuses up to £300 with deadlines looming. Tech & Mobility: Uber plans to deploy 2,000 Pony.ai robotaxis across the UK, France and the Netherlands from 2026. Data & Privacy Risk: Crypto owners are warned after a Trezor-linked breach exposed around 14,000 customers’ home addresses. Retail Bargains: Clarks has cut popular Cloudsteppers sandals from £35 to £20, with cashback deals potentially taking the effective price much lower. Food & Dairy M&A: Lactalis is set to buy Saputo’s UK business for about £988m, bringing brands like Cathedral City and Country Life into its portfolio. Connectivity in Emergencies: Rogers is rolling out free mobile-to-satellite connectivity across British Columbia for wildfire-affected customers.

Water Bills Backlash: Ofwat has provisionally approved extra water bill hikes from 2027-2030, including an extra £3.4bn spend, with PM Andy Burnham calling it a “blank cheque” for firms that still leak and pollute. Energy Access for Vulnerable Households: A UK-focused electricity market consultation is being criticised for leaving disadvantaged customers with limited retailer choice and pushing people onto prepay plans that may cost more. Subscription Traps: New research says most UK consumers find it easier to sign up than cancel subscriptions, as the government speeds up rules aimed at making exits simpler. Online Seller Transparency: A new SRX standard highlights that UK online shoppers most often complain when delivery timelines and support response times aren’t clearly stated. Heat & Everyday Costs: With the UK in extreme heat, there are reports of widespread disruption and strikes, including bus drivers walking out over “unbearable” conditions. Consumer Health in Summer: A survey finds only 56% of adults have bought sunscreen this year so far, while Cancer Research UK warns against relying on old SPF. Retail & Tech Deals: Boots has launched a £45 beauty box, while Google opens its first overseas flagship store in Tokyo for Pixel fans. Crypto Watch: The FCA and HTX are in settlement talks over alleged unlawful crypto promotions, with court action paused to late August.

Water Bills Shock: Ofwat has provisionally approved an extra £3.4bn of spending for water firms in England and Wales, meaning millions could see higher bills on top of earlier rises, with Andy Burnham calling it “real money out of family budgets” and warning customers shouldn’t be treated as a “blank cheque”. Heatwave Pressure: With drought deepening and temperatures hitting the mid-30s, energy suppliers are urging households to cut electricity use during the solar eclipse, while Octopus says solar exports have paid households nearly £100m over the past year. Consumer Pricing Anger: New research puts shrinkflation among shoppers’ top retail frustrations, alongside energy standing charges and hidden fees—fueling calls for clearer pricing rules. Crypto Watch: The FCA and HTX are in settlement talks over alleged illegal crypto promotions aimed at UK consumers, with court proceedings paused to try to reach a deal. Retail Moves: Levi’s is launching on the M&S website, and Jet2 says new EU baggage/hand-luggage transparency rules won’t change its 10kg allowance. Food System Focus: IGD’s Future of the UK Food System conference returns on 21 October 2026, aiming to push practical cross-sector fixes.

Solar eclipse & consumer safety: Britain’s once-in-a-generation solar eclipse drew huge crowds and sold-out viewing glasses, but energy firms and regulators pushed people to cut electricity use and avoid unsafe viewing. Heatwave pressures: With drought worsening and amber heat alerts, Southern Water is seeking wider non-essential water-use limits, while ministers floated a summer ban on disposable barbecues to curb wildfire risk. Cost-of-living & value: Analysis warns weakening UK EV targets could cost consumers up to £3bn a year by 2030. Scams & card fraud: Which? warns criminals are shifting from bank-transfer APP scams to tricking people into approving card payments, with less automatic protection than APP fraud. Broadband market: UK fixed broadband growth is basically flat, with full fibre continuing to expand. Food & drink offers: Pho launches “Pink Wednesdays” with a £5 menu for diners wearing pink. Packaging rules: A new EU packaging law starts tightening PFAS limits and recycling requirements that will ripple into UK-facing supply chains. Consumer tech/finance: Bank of England digital pound lab work continues with stablecoin and digital pound trials, while US-UK stablecoin recommendations set direction without enforceable rules. Car reliability: Which? flags recurring 12-volt battery failures in Toyota/Lexus hybrids.

Solar Eclipse Safety & Energy: The UK braces for a major solar eclipse tonight, with doctors warning against knock-off glasses and urging only ISO 12312-2 certified eyewear; at the same time, Octopus and other suppliers ask households to cut electricity use between 6pm and 8pm as solar generation drops and the grid faces a shortfall. Public Health & Consumer Safety: A UK study says e-scooter injuries involving children have surged, with most riders not wearing helmets and many needing hospital imaging—pushing calls for better regulation and safety messaging. Banking Accessibility: Nationwide’s free “Speak Easy” communication cards are being rolled out across major UK banks to help customers with communication difficulties access essential services. Transport Disruption: Chiltern Railways urges only essential travel on 13 August due to extreme heat, with a reduced timetable and fee-free refunds for affected tickets. Local Enforcement: North Wales Police warns Wrexham’s shopping arcade isn’t a public toilet after reports of anti-social behaviour, including urination and sexual activity. Retail & Deals: Santander confirms £100 supermarket vouchers for new customers from December 14, with strict monthly spend and eligibility rules. Food & Drink: Authorities shut a Teesside corner shop for three months after a crackdown on illegal tobacco sales. Tech & AI Consumer Angle: A UK regulator reaffirmed childhood vaccination safety, backing routine jabs as effective and safe.

Solar Eclipse Rush: Specialist eclipse glasses sold out fast across the UK, with queues and warnings to use certified eye protection as the event brings major darkness over parts of Europe. Energy Bills & Grid Upgrades: Government reveals first “pounds for pylons” discount sites—homes within 500m of 43 transmission projects could get bill cuts worth up to £2,500 over 10 years. Heat & Food Costs: Analysts warn extreme heat and drought could trigger the UK’s worst food security crisis in decades, pushing up prices later this year. Consumer Tech Rules: England and Wales courts ban Meta smart glasses in courtrooms over privacy concerns. Mobile Deals: EE launches an “Early Phone Swap” for Flex Pay customers, letting them upgrade a year early to new or refurbished handsets at no extra cost. Crypto for Pros: Coinbase expands UK crypto derivatives for Professional Clients only, including futures/options/perpetuals, keeping retail users out. Safety Alert: New research links e-scooter injuries to children, with many cases involving privately owned scooters and low helmet use. Retail Bargains: Home Bargains cuts an Elizabeth Arden moisturiser from £47 to £12.99 in an online-only deal.

Heat & cost pressures: The Met Office says summer 2026 is on track to be the UK’s warmest on record, with 38C possible in parts of England and amber heat warnings for London and the South East. Energy bills & net zero: Research warns persistently high electricity prices could slow industrial electrification and keep firms on fossil fuels. High street crackdown: Andy Burnham faces backlash from the vaping industry after plans to tighten rules for new vape shops and betting venues, while he also calls for a stronger police line on shoplifting. Consumer money & benefits: DWP says some people hit with benefit “administrative penalties” are getting refunds after mistakes, and Universal Credit/Pension Credit/ESA claimants have a deadline to ensure their name is on energy bills to get the Warm Home Discount. Value shopping: Aldi is named Which?’s cheapest supermarket again, and the retailer is running a summer donation drive for foodbanks. Retail operations: Asda is outsourcing store cleaning for 3,500 workers, promising cleaner facilities and more robotic cleaning. Golden Quarter outlook: Epsilon says shoppers plan to cut non-essentials and delay big buys, making the peak season tougher for brands. Travel disruption: Newcastle Airport Metro line closures start for nine days, with buses replacing services.

Subscription crackdown: UK PM Andy Burnham moves to tackle “subscription traps” and misleading discounts, with rules aimed to start earlier (January 2027) after analysis put the cost to consumers at £1.6bn a year. Heat & water squeeze: Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought/flash drought, with more areas added and 36C heatwave alerts in force; Chessington World of Adventures shut after a water outage, with tickets revalidated. High-street pressure: Retail sales rose just 1.3% in July; food was up 3.8% but non-food fell 0.7% as shoppers stayed home in the heat. Health products: MHRA approves Eli Lilly’s orforglipron (Foundayo) as a once-daily weight-loss pill for eligible patients, with NHS funding decisions expected later. Consumer safety: Eclipse glasses warnings: only ISO 12312-2 certified products should be used, as knock-offs and regular sunglasses can damage eyesight. Food & drink: BrewDog’s London-only promo gives up to 20,000 free Punk IPA beers via Deliveroo.

Cost-of-living crackdown: Andy Burnham says new UK rules from January will make subscriptions easier to cancel and curb “rip-off” discount tactics, with a 14-day cooling-off period after renewals. Consumer finance data: Jersey residents have opted out of government sharing of basic details with Experian and Equifax, with 780+ already choosing out. Food safety recall: Bon Bons Wholesale recalled allergy-risk chocolates due to undeclared milk and soya, with refunds offered. Weather pressure: Amber heat health alerts cover much of England and parts of Wales as temperatures push towards 36C, with drought concerns growing. SME cash squeeze: A survey finds 23% of UK SMEs are struggling to access finance, linked to late customer payments and tighter lending. Digital assets transparency: Nephos Group appointed proof-of-reserves attestation partner for Agant’s FCA-registered GBPA stablecoin. Repair culture: Levi’s and Uniqlo are leaning into “fix it, don’t ditch it” as Gen Z repair and handstitching trends spread. Retail/insolvency watch: Accell UK and Ireland has filed to appoint administrators for Raleigh, the 139-year-old bike brand. Energy bills: Octopus says an excess of wind power has already cost consumers £1bn this year via constraint payments. Gambling jobs: Betting and Gaming Council data warns further tax rises could mean more betting shop closures and job losses.