Leisure credit schemes

13.2.2014

Question for written answer E-001595-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Linda McAvan (S&D) , Catherine Stihler (S&D)

Complaints regarding leisure credit schemes have risen dramatically in the UK, according to the UK European Consumer Centre (ECC). These leisure credits can cost up to GBP 15 000 and are exchanged for leisure products such as holiday accommodation, spa days and theatre trips. The schemes are often promoted as a way of trading in a timeshare or holiday club membership, but if people then change their mind they may be unable to cancel their contract. According to the UK ECC this new product falls outside the scope of the Timeshare Directive and consumers therefore have none of the protections given by this legislation if they enter into contracts for this type of product.

Can the Commission therefore inform us of what it is doing to address this rising problem of leisure credit schemes? Will the problem of leisure credit schemes be addressed in the Commission’s upcoming review of the Timeshare Directive?

OJ C 309, 11/09/2014