Eshoppers and refund seekers set for a boost

Relax, you have more rights: new proposals aim to protect consumers against faulty downloads (Getty Images)

Shoppers will get stronger refund rights and e-shoppers new rights under a Consumer Rights Bill published this week.

The bill hopes to cut down the estimated 59 million hours a year we're forced to spend dealing with problem purchases. The new bill will introduce a set 30-day time period to return faulty goods and get a full refund,

It will also, for the first time, offer us legal protection for corrupted digital downloads.

Consumer Minister Jenny Willott said: "If passed into the law, the Bill will give consumers the right to get a repair or a replacement of faulty digital content such as film and music downloads, online games and e-books, helping the millions people who experience problems each year."

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd, said: "The Consumer Rights Bill brings consumer law into the 21st century, extending rights into digital content, and making it easier for people to understand their rights and challenge bad practice.

"The bill provides a firm foundation for empowering consumers and will benefit businesses that treat their customers fairly."