The Consumer Protection Act 1987 makes it a criminal offence for traders to give misleading price indications relating to goods or services. Officers investigate all such complaints, and inspect premises to ensure compliance. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 creates offences for traders who give false descriptions to goods or services. Officers undertake inspections to ascertain accuracy of such statements. Product Safety High priority is attached to the prevention of unsafe consumer product circulating the borough.
Officers conduct specialist safety inspections.
Projects recently undertaken involved the examination of second hand and low cost electrical goods, and part worn tyres. Open days are held where members of the public can talk to officers over safety matters, and have their own domestic electrical equipment tested. Inspections ensure compliance with all safety controls, examples of which are fireworks, toys, furniture, night-dresses and personal protective equipment. The service undertakes food sampling on a programmed basis. Food products are assessed for labelling misrepresentation, and other irregularities, and are analysed by the Public Analyst for compositional conformity to regulations and declared statements.