To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any enforceable safeguards in place, to protect consumers from gift vouchers with unreasonably short expiry dates.

I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.

A small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.

To introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.

Consumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.

Concerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice

It is generally good advice for consumers to check the terms written on the voucher, particularly expiry dates, inactivity fees and restrictions on whether you can spend in store or online.