Consumers need more protection against hidden charges often tucked away in the small print, according to two bodies responsible for promoting law reform. The Law Commission and Scottish Law Commission say in a report published on Tuesday that courts should be empowered to scrutinise the fairness of prices. Regulators can already investigate cases of alleged market abuse by firms such as airlines, gyms or banks. But the commissions said the law which underpins investigations needs reform. David Hertzell, the commissioner lead on the project for the Law Commission of England and Wales, said: "The current law is baffling - so much so that consumers and regulators are reluctant to challenge unfair charges." Under current laws, courts have the power to assess the fairness of a contract but are unable to look at the price. The commissions recommend that courts should not interfere with prices which are "transparent and prominent" - but when charges are hidden in small print, they should be given the power to assess them for fairness.....Read more here