The Consumer Council has launched its new Corporate Plan for 2026 to 2032, setting out its priorities for protecting, representing and empowering consumers across Northern Ireland over the next six years.

The strategy was unveiled at an event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Wednesday 21 October, bringing together representatives from government, regulators, industry, consumer organisations and the voluntary and community sectors.

The Consumer Council’s board, chief executive and senior leadership team were joined by Sarah Adcock OBE, director for consumer and competition policy at the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade; Sam Ghibaldan, chief executive of Consumer Scotland; Chris Pond, chair of the Financial Conduct Authority Financial Services Consumer Panel; and Maeve Hamilton, director, consumer protection and workplace safety, Department for the Economy NI.

They explored the importance of consumers to the economy, the value of unlocking consumer-led reform, ensuring consumer voices and experiences help shape policy and regulatory decisions, and how the Consumer Council will turn ambition into action.

Heather Moore, Board Member, Noyona Chundur, Chief Executive and Mick McAteer, Board Member.

placeholder image — Heather Moore, Board Member, Noyona Chundur, Chief Executive and Mick McAteer, Board Member.

The strategy is built around five strategic priorities, known as the Five Lives: Represented, Affordable, Inclusive, Sustainable and Empowered Lives. They are the strategic blueprint, recognising the interconnected nature and complexity of consumers’ lives, the multiplicity of markets and jurisdictions, and the unique considerations of Northern Ireland’s population and business base.

Welcoming the new Corporate Plan, Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: “Consumers are central to our economy, and it is vital that their voices and lived experiences help shape the decisions that affect them.

“I welcome this ambitious corporate plan and its focus on ensuring consumers are represented, protected and empowered.

“By turning strong evidence into influence and action, the Consumer Council can help deliver fairer markets and better outcomes for people across the north.”

Noyona Chundur, chief executive of the Consumer Council, said: “Our 2026-2032 Corporate Plan is built on evidence, shaped by the voices of consumers, our partners and stakeholders, and grounded in the everyday reality of life across Northern Ireland today.

“Consumer protection and economic growth are not competing priorities; they are two sides of the same coin.

“Over the next six years, we will focus on what matters: improving people’s lives. We will advocate, collaborate and remain agile as markets and policy landscapes shift.

“We will expand research, communications and outreach, strengthen collaboration and partnerships in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe, influence with intention on behalf of consumers, invest in our people and deliver value to the public purse.

“We are ambitious for the future, and our ambition is grounded in what the Consumer Council does best: listening, championing, influencing and delivering.”

The Consumer Council 2026–2032 Corporate Plan is available here.