Short answer. A paywalled publication with an introductory price needs a reminder before the price steps up, a renewal cooling-off notice when it does, a reminder at least every six months and an online way to cancel.
Publishers lean on discounted starts: a few months at a low price, then full price. Each of those is a trigger under the draft Regulations, and the reader gets a fresh cooling-off period when the price rises.
- An introductory rate counts as a concessionary period.
- The price-rise reminder must go out before the first full-price payment.
- Cancellation must be possible online, not by phone or letter only.
Worked example: Digital subscription
Three discounted months, then £5.99 a month from 1 June 2027.
| Date | Notice | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March 2027 | Full contract information | At sign-up |
| 1 March 2027 | Cooling-off notice | Cooling-off ends 15 March 2027 |
| 25 May 2027 | Discount ending reminder | Payment of £5.99 on 1 June 2027 |
| 1 June 2027 | Renewal cooling-off notice | Payment of £5.99 on 1 June 2027. Cooling-off ends 15 June 2027 |
| 25 August 2027 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £5.99 on 1 September 2027 |
| 23 February 2028 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £5.99 on 1 March 2028 |
| 25 August 2028 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £5.99 on 1 September 2028 |
| 22 February 2029 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £5.99 on 1 March 2029 |
End-of-contract confirmation: Within 24 hours of an online cancellation.
Suggested checkout wording: We'll email you 3 to 7 days before your discounted period ends, and before renewal at least every 6 months, 5 to 10 days before the payment. You can cancel online at any time.
Timings use our suggested defaults. The law doesn't fix the number of days; you choose a window and state it at checkout.
Questions
Do print subscriptions count?
A recurring supply of goods can be a subscription contract, so a print title billed automatically can be covered.
Not legal advice. If unsure, check with an adviser.