The OFT is the UK's consumer and competition authority. Our mission is to make markets work well for consumers.
We pursue this goal by:
- encouraging businesses to comply with competition and consumer law and to improve their trading practices through self-regulation
- acting decisively to stop hardcore or flagrant offenders
- studying markets and recommending action where required
- empowering consumers with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices and get the best value from markets, and helping them resolve problems with suppliers through Consumer Direct.
The OFT is a non-ministerial government department established by statute in 1973.