Independent report

Sharing economy review: terms of reference

Published 29 September 2014

© Crown copyright 2014

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-economy-review-terms-of-reference/sharing-economy-review-terms-of-reference

1. Scope

Collaborative businesses such as Airbnb and TaskRabbit are growing the sharing economy - peer-to-peer marketplaces that allow people to share possessions, time and skills. These new and varied business models are attracting significant publicity and investment across a wide range of sectors.

The aim of this review is to assess the social and economic potential of the sharing economy for the UK, and to make recommendations on how this potential can be reached. It will also consider any risks to consumers or established businesses.

The focus will be on 3 sectors where the sharing economy is increasingly well-established:

  • personal and commercial space
  • transport (eg car clubs and ride sharing)
  • time and skills

It will also look at sectors where there is significant growth potential, such as:

  • fashion
  • food
  • personal items (eg power tools)

The review will:

  • challenge and define the concept of the sharing economy
  • explore the potential benefits of the sharing economy to the UK, as well as any risks it may pose
  • understand the main issues faced by businesses within the sharing economy
  • investigate the main regulatory and policy issues from the perspective of consumers, sharing economy businesses, and established businesses
  • make recommendations to government and industry on how the sharing economy can reach its potential in the UK

2. Methodology

The review will seek evidence from a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • consumers
  • businesses operating in the sharing economy
  • established businesses that are facing increased competition from the sharing economy

3. Timing

The review should be completed by December 2014.

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