Hopes of a speedy resolution to the confusion surrounding the ATOL system of consumer financial protection look to have been dashed yet again.
The Department of Trade and Industry was expected to issue provisional guidance for the trade on ATOL requirements this month.
The Department for Transport was also due to decide on the future of ATOL bonding – whether income from a £1 levy on package holidays will replace the system or simply pay off the debt of the Air Travel Trust fund that underwrites it.
A DfT spokesman said: “There will be consultation on what might replace the ATOL system, if anything, later this year. There is no timescale.”
The DTI expressed surprise that it was expected to produce guidance this month.