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Consumer panel website - www.ofcomconsumerpanel.org.uk

Ofcom has established a Consumer Panel to advise on the consumer interest in the markets it regulates - a requirement of S.16(2) of the Communications Act 2003. The Panel is independent of Ofcom and operates at full arm's length from it, setting its own agenda and making its views known publicly.

The Consumer Panel has a responsibility to understand consumer issues and concerns related to the communications sector (other than those related to content of advertising and programming) and helps inform Ofcom's decision-making by raising specific issues of consumer interest. These include issues affecting rural consumers, older people, people with disabilities and those who are on low incomes or otherwise disadvantaged. To ensure that its recommendations to Ofcom are based on sound evidence, the Panel has an appropriate budget to commission its own research. The Panel held its first meeting on 23 February 2004.

Ofcom has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Consumer Panel. The MoU establishes the principles that both Ofcom and the Panel have agreed to adopt in their relations and dealings with each other.

• Ofcom and Ofcom Consumer Panel Memorandum of Understanding

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