From 13 June, consumers in Islington will be able to call Consumer Direct London, a new advice and information line, for clear and practical advice on a range of consumer issues. <br><br>The changes mean local authority trading standards are referring calls from the public wanting civil advice to Consumer Direct. <br><br>Consumer Direct (CD) operators take the calls and give advice. If CD judge a complaint requires investigating I.e. breaches of criminal legislation enforcable by Islington Council - it gets referred to us.<br><br>The change will free up council staff to concentrate on enforcement duties.<br><br>From a £2,000 sofa ripping after only a few weeks to a garage repair bill that seems too expensive, Consumer Direct aims to provide consumers with the knowledge, tools and confidence to resolve consumer problems themselves. And, what’s more, the advice is free.<br><br>Open to the public six days a week, the service is available to anyone who calls the number, 08454 04 05 06. They will then be connected to professionally trained advisors at the contact centre who are able to deal with all manner of enquiries. The service is also available on-line at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. <br><br>Working in partnership with Islington Trading Standards, Citizens Advice, and other Consumer Support Network members, the service is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. <br><br>Cllr George Allan, executive member for customer focus said:<br><br>"Islington Council is committed to ensuring that our residents, businesses and visitors get a fair deal. <br><br>Consumer Direct gives residents advice on buying goods and services and makes sure they know their rights.<br><br>Our trading standards officers will now concentrate more on unsafe goods, underage sales and rogue traders.” <br><br>UK-wide research estimates that the unmet demand for consumer advice could be as high as 1.5 million calls a year, over and above what is currently being received by existing services. In addition to this, the Office of Fair Trading has estimated that UK consumers lose out as much as £8 billion each year due to problems with goods and services. <br><br>- Ends -<br><br><br>For further information please contact Lisa Tyrrell or George Morrison on behalf of Consumer Direct London on 0207 4040 6777. <br><br>Contacts:<br>Islington Council Trading Standards - 020 7527 3185<br><br><br><br><br> Notes to Editors<br>1. Consumer Direct London opening times are: Monday to Friday 0800 to 1830 and 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.<br> <br>2. Consumer Direct is also available via Textphone on 0845 128 1384.<br><br>3. Consumer Direct is a new, government backed service from the DTI. It provides clear, practical advice, free of charge, to all sorts of consumers with all sorts of consumer issues or complaints.<br><br>4. The new Consumer Direct London contact centre is in based in BSS, International House, 7 High Street, Ealing.<br><br>Consumer Direct was first launched in Scotland in July last year before being introduced to Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber and South West. The launch of the service in London is part of a staggered rollout across the country that will see Consumer Direct being available nationally by early 2006. <br><br>The service is a key part of the DTI’s overall strategy of achieving ‘prosperity for all’ as empowered consumers drive competitive markets leading to increased productivity and innovation.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009