Publications in: Behavioural Economics

Ofwat Vulnerability Focus Report – February 2016

Published: 23 February, 2016

Ofwat’s Vulnerability Focus report with supporting research by London Economics finds that vulnerability can take many forms, people can move in and out of vulnerability and anyone can find themselves in vulnerable circumstances at times in their life. The report is accompanied by a practitioners’ pack that aims to help water companies to identify customers […]

Understanding Consumer Vulnerability in the EU’s Key Markets – February 2016

Published: 23 February, 2016

This study for the European Commission provides a new definition of vulnerable consumers, a new methodology for measuring consumer vulnerability and new insights into the actual patterns of consumer vulnerability. The large scale study employed stakeholder consultations, consumer surveys, focus groups and behavioural experiments across the EU28 plus Iceland and Norway.

Consumer Market Study on the Functioning of Legal and Commercial Guarantees for Consumers in the EU – December 2015

Published: 14 December, 2015

This study for the European Commission explores how well markets for Legal and Commercial Guarantees (LCGs) operate for consumers in Europe. The study includes consumer surveys and behavioural experiments to investigate how well consumers understand LCGs. The study provides policy recommendations to remedy any shortcomings detected. In particular, the results of will be used to […]

FCA Symposium: Competition Analysis with Realistic Behaviour – December 2015

Published: December, 2015

LE’s Charlotte Duke participated in the FCA symposium: competition analysis with realistic behaviour. This forum brought together senior thinkers, researchers and policy makers to discuss the promotion of competition in financial services. During the day, delegates focussed on the research being done on Behavioural Industrial Organisation (BIO).

FCA Forum: Competition Analysis with Realistic Behaviour – Forthcoming Event in December 2015

Published: 11 November, 2015

London Economics’ Dr Charlotte Duke will be speaking at this forthcoming event on Behavioural Industrial Organization and how best to design policy interventions and improve competition. Further information and registration for the event can be found above.

Consumer Testing Study of the Possible New Format and Content for Retail Disclosures of Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products – November 2015

Published: 13 November, 2015

The European Commission commissioned London Economics and Ipsos to undertake consumer testing of various ways of presenting information relating to Packaged Retail and Insurance‐based Investment Products (PRIIPs). The motivation for the study was to assess which particular format of Key Information Documents would best help consumers compare and select products for their investment needs. The […]

An Assessment of Open to Export – November 2015

Published: 03 November, 2015

LE evaluated the impact of Open to Export, a website supported by UK Trade & Investment that functions as an electronic intermediary, connecting businesses with other businesses, organisations and official sources of information and assistance, including UK Trade & Investment. The study collected information through interviews with six selected “service providers” and a structured telephone […]

High-Cost Short-Term Credit Price Comparison Websites – November 2015

Published: 30 November, 2015

This behavioural economics study for the FCA, tested additional standards for price comparison websites that compare HCSTC products. It forms part of the evidence base used by the FCA in its recommendations for additional standards in response to the CMA’s final report on payday lending.

Using Behavioural Economics: Practical Examples – Behavioural Economics and Psychological Choices – August 2015

Published: August, 2015

Presented at a practitioners’ summer workshop this presentation explores how behavioural economics is being used in policy-making and understanding of consumer behaviour in markets. Explains what behavioural experiments are and provides examples of how behavioural studies conducted by London Economics have been used to inform policy making. The presentation then provides guidance on what to […]

The Death of the Saturday Job – June 2015

Published: June, 2015

Read London Economics’ report for the UK Commission of Employment and Skills on the extent of young people combining work with study.