Energy
Energy services, such as electricity and gas, are essential in homes across the UK. Consumers need a secure supply of energy at affordable prices in order to maintain our standards of living. At the same time, companies are working to reduce (...)
Telecommunications
The world of telecoms is changing fast as new technologies are developed everyday. Technical development moves at such a fast pace, it can be hard to keep up with changes in telecommunications, which means that it can be difficult for you to make (...)
Transport
Well-functioning passenger and freight transport are an essential part of life and the single market. EU transport policies aim at fostering clean, safe and efficient travel throughout Europe, underpinning the internal market of goods and the right (...)
Postal Services
Competition in the postal market gives customers a wider choice of providers and better services. The European Union’s aim is to secure the universal postal service and to open the postal market to competition to deliver choice and better services (...)
Water Services
Water is an essential element for human life so it is important that consumers have access to clean, drinkable water. An adequate supply of good quality water is critical for our well-being. Many households also use a large amount of water every (...)
According to its European definition, a ‘Service of General Interest’ is a service that: "Public Authorities class as being of general interest and subject to specific public service obligations". These services have also been identified as central to the European model of society upon which the European Union is built. European societies are committed to general interest services because they meet basic needs.