Homebase explained that the terms and conditions on the  Homebase promotional voucher the complainant had attempted to use, which had been sent to Nectar Card holders and was for "£5 OFF when you spend £30", should have stated that it could not be used "during National Homebase discount days".  They explained that was the term they used to describe "X% off" discounts which were available nationally on specific days, and the promotion described in the ad therefore was a national discount day.  They apologised that an error had meant that that condition had not been included on the voucher and the complainant had therefore understood that it could be used in conjunction with the national discount day promotion when that was not the case.  They said they would ensure that condition was included on their vouchers in future.

Homebase said they understood exclusions to offers could be brought to consumers' attention in an abridged manner in TV and radio ads, due to the time and space constraints of those mediums, provided there were measures in place to make that information available to consumers by other means.  They believed that, because the ads did not state that the 15% discount applied to "all" their other offers, it indicated to consumers that exclusions might apply, and they noted that the radio ad specifically stated "Exclusions apply".  They believed the TV and radio ads therefore complied with the Code.  They acknowledged, however, that the website ad, which did not have the constraints of space and time inherent in broadcast ads, could have made the exclusion to the national discount day offer clear, and they offered to make that amendment in future.

Clearcast, responding in relation to the TV ad, said they felt that the text which stated "15% off excludes ... gift vouchers" would be considered to include promotional vouchers.  They said, notwithstanding that, they had not considered specifying exclusions relating to promotional vouchers in similar Homebase ads.  They said that, if the ad specifically mentioned promotional vouchers in conjunction with offers they would ensure that any material exclusions would be clearly stated.  They said it could also be argued that, because the voice-over stated "spend £50", it made clear that customers would need to outlay funds, but if they handed over promotional vouchers they would not be spending £50.  They believed the ad was not misleading.

The RACC, responding in relation to the radio ad, said it was their view that the qualifying information "Exclusions apply" covered the estimated small number of consumers who were not able to take advantage of the discount offer because they wished to make purchases with promotional vouchers.  They said they did not have anything further to add to Homebase's response.