Control of Price Related Terms in Standard Form Contracts in the UK: Regulating Prices and Charges in the UK: Information Versus Substance, General Clauses Versus Rules Developed by Regulators

Abstract

This paper considers how UK law regulates the price and other charges in contracts. It asks how dominant the information paradigm is as a regulatory approach, and also considers the limits of this paradigm in providing consumer protection. Assuming a more substantive paradigm of regulation is desirable, the paper considers how to achieve this. It considers the respective roles that should be played by a legislative general clause; and on the other hand by more concrete rules developed by regulatory bodies, each rule designed for specific charges in particular types of contracts in different trade sectors.