Shadow consumer minister condemns ‘inadequate’ protection against rogue agent fees

Published Tuesday 11 December 2007 at 15:55 by Lalayn Baluch

Recent government regulations which outlaw up-front fees on the day of casting events are “inadequate” and will not stop artists being conned by rogue agencies, according to Mark Prisk, shadow minister for consumer affairs.

The Conservative MP believes that despite the new seven-day cooling off period, which enables people to ask for their money back, bogus agents will still be able to take post-dated cheques or credit card details on the day of audition.

Speaking to The Stage, Prisk commented: “My view is that the seven-day cooling off period is a tiny step forward, but what we need is a strong step and clear signal that says that these agencies are taking up-front fees in a way that is fraudulent.”

Last year a survey by The Stage showed that three quarters of those paying money to agents received no work in the following 12 months, a fact used by Prisk in his argument against the current regulations.

He said: “If you want a proper cooling off period it will have to be for six months, as the survey shows people don’t get any work out of these [casting sessions] for 12 months. Therefore seven days is wholly inadequate.”

Over the last year, there has been one prosecution bought against a rogue agent, despite 342 separate claims being made by models and artists. Prisk added: “I cannot believe that 341 out of 342 were completely bogus complaints. It suggests to me that the government is not taking this issue seriously.”

The consumer affairs shadow minister now intends to develop a joint campaign with Equity, Bectu and cross-party representatives to speak against up-front fees and ensure that loop-holes are closed.