Backing for new laws to protect consumers
02 May 2008
Trading standards officers at South Gloucestershire Council are backing proposed new laws to give consumers more protection after new research has revealed they are fed up with being ripped off by rogue traders.
A Department for Business survey of consumers in the South West found that:
• 96 per cent of people want a crackdown on misleading, aggressive and unfair sales practices
• Nine out of 10 people have had pushy sales representatives at the door or on the phone who won’t take no for an answer
• More than eight out of 10 have experienced repeated sales pitches from the same firm, despite telling them they did not want to hear from them again
• 42 per cent of consumers have been duped into buying something after being given misleading information
To help tackle these issues the Government is proposing a new law to help crack down on these practices. If they are approved by Parliament, the Consumer Protection Regulations (CPRs) will come into force on 26 May 2008.
The CPRs could represent one of the biggest changes to consumer law in decades, aiming to stamp out unfair selling practices by any business to
people.
Mark Pullin, trading standards and licensing manager, said: “Consumers should be treated honestly and fairly so we welcome the introduction of the CPRs as they will provide more protection for consumers and should make it easier for local authorities to take enforcement action against individuals or businesses who may be trading unfairly.”
Mark added: “The CPRs will also benefit honest businesses who presently have to compete with traders who use unfair practices.”
People can find out more about their rights under the consumer protection regulations, and information and advice on all consumer issues, by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visiting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
ENDS