Digital comparison tools market study

The CMA carried out a market study into digital comparison tools (DCTs) to see how they are working for consumers, businesses and the economy.

Case timetable

Date Action
28 September 2017 Statutory deadline
26 September 2017 Final report published
24 April 2017 Deadline for comments on the update paper
28 March 2017 Publication of update paper
24 October 2016 Deadline for responses to the statement of scope
29 September 2016 Launch of market study

Contact

comparisontools@cma.gsi.gov.uk

Government response to findings and recommendations

21 December 2017: The Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Corporate Responsibility at the Department for Business, Energy & lndustrial Strategy has responded on behalf of the government to the digital comparison tools market study findings and recommendations.

Final report

26 September 2017: We have published our final report on the DCTs market, as well as supporting papers and research we commissioned from GfK.

Responses to update paper

Update paper

28 March 2017: We have published an update paper on our work to date on the DCTs market study, as well as a report on the consumer survey and qualitative research we commissioned from Kantar Public Ltd.

Responses to statement of scope

DCT workshops

8 November 2016: We are planning to hold 2 workshops in early December to discuss the statement of scope and issues raised in submissions following consultation. We have sent invitations to a selected range of DCTs and suppliers to ensure that a good cross section of DCTs and suppliers are represented. Spaces are limited, but we will consider expressions of interest in attending from any other DCTs or suppliers: please contact us by 15 November using the email contact above.

Launch of market study

29 September 2016: The CMA has launched a market study into DCTs used by consumers to compare and/or switch between a range of products or services from a range of businesses. It will examine whether the sector is working well for consumers, and determine how to maximise the benefits DCTs offer.

Published 29 September 2016
Last updated 21 December 2017 + show all updates
  1. Government response to findings and recommendations added.

  2. Final report published.

  3. Response to update paper published.

  4. Responses to update paper published.

  5. Update paper and research report published.

  6. Date for publication of update added.

  7. Response to statement of scope published.

  8. Responses to statement of scope published.

  9. Responses to statement of scope published.

  10. DCT workshops update added.

  11. First published.