Labour promises curbs on higher prices for loyal customers

Labour has promised that, if elected, it will stop phone, internet and insurance companies from charging loyal customers more than new customers. The party has also promised to ban what it calls "fake discounts", and to stop large price increases once introductory offers end.

Chris Hipkins leads the Labour Party. Arena Williams is its commerce and consumer affairs spokesperson. The details are set out in a Labour policy document.

Under the proposal, companies would not be able to move customers onto "unjustifiably" expensive plans when an introductory deal ends. Advertised discounts would have to be based on the lowest price charged for that product in the previous 30 days.

According to the policy document, power companies are already required to check that their customers are on the best plan for their needs. Labour's proposals are promises for an election outcome and are not yet law.