GCA welcomes findings of second statutory review

Christine Tacon, the Groceries Code Adjudicator, has warmly welcomed the findings of the Government’s Statutory Review of the GCA’s work between April 2016 and March 2019.

She said: “This is a highly positive report that recognises the importance of the GCA in creating a more level playing field for the groceries sector.

“I am grateful for the acknowledgement that my pro-active approach as well as the knowledge and experience I brought to the role have led to fairer practices across all the regulated retailers. This was the mission I set myself when I became GCA 2013 and it good to see that recognised by those individuals and organisations that responded to this statutory review.

I am particularly grateful for the comments that my team and I have been approachable, professional and influential in driving the culture change that has achieved progress. We all take great pride in being able to have made a difference.”

The government report concludes that:

• the GCA continues to be highly effective in enforcing the Code and in exercising its powers
• the government will not amend or replace the Groceries Code Adjudicator (Permitted Maximum Financial Penalty) Order 2015 which provides the maximum financial penalty the GCA may impose
• no order will be made to restrict the information the GCA may consider in deciding whether to carry out an investigation

The overall evidence from the review also suggested there is still a need for the GCA to ensure retailers comply with the requirements of the Groceries Code. Some responses to the review indicated that some suppliers are still reluctant to raise issues with the GCA. The government report recognises the steps the current GCA has taken to encourage suppliers to raise issues. It makes a commitment to work with the next GCA to help suppliers feel empowered to raise issues with the GCA and their retailers directly.