We have a statutory duty to enforce a wide range of consumer protection legislation. We work to make sure that all local businesses comply with the law.
Our Trading Standards officers make sure there's compliance with consumer protection legislation by:
- providing business advice
- inspecting premises
- investigating complaints
- carrying out proactive work. For example; using product safety surveys, testing purchasing exercises of age-restricted goods
Where necessary, we may set in motion legal proceedings against traders. For example:
- for selling unsafe goods
- short weight
- doorstep crime
- unroadworthy/clocked cars
- counterfeiting
Any enforcement decision taken by officers is carefully considered taking into account our Enforcement Policy (PDF 537Kb). This makes sure that decisions are proportional, consistent and fair.