This section provides a free advice to consumers over the full range of consumer issues. Claims are pursued and assistance provided up to and including County Court level. Enforcement advice and educational talks are given to traders, thus ensuring compliance with relevant statutes. Consumer Fraud The Fair Trading Unit, within the Section, is responsible for investigating all alleged breaches of criminal consumer law. 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.