2008
North East consumer helpline celebrates its second anniversary
Consumer Direct North East, the government-backed telephone and online consumer advice service, is celebrating its second anniversary.
20 February 2008
Since its launch in February 2006, Redcar-based Consumer Direct North East has helped over 118,000 consumers across the region, providing them with information about their consumer rights and advice on how to try and resolve issues with shops and traders.
Fourteen trained advisors provide callers with the knowledge, tools and confidence to help them resolve their issue themselves. However, if further help is needed, such as specialist advice or face-to-face assistance, Consumer Direct will refer calls to Local Authority Trading Standards Services or other organisations best placed to help.
The information from every call is recorded on a central database which can be used by Local Authority Trading Standards Services and the Office of Fair Trading to help inform and focus their work.
Consumer Direct handles all sorts of consumer queries – from a £30 pair of shoes to a £30,000 house extension. Last year the service received the most complaints about second hand cars, followed by mobile phone services and TVs.
Present at the celebrations of second anniversary were: Greg South, Head of Operations for Consumer Direct at the OFT, David Sayer, Head of Governance for Consumer Direct North East and Trading Standards, North East Trading Standards Association (NETSA), Mayor Cllr Wendy Wall for Redcar and Cleveland and other local authority partners.
Greg South said:
‘By providing clear, practical consumer advice, Consumer Direct has helped thousands of people across the North East to get themselves a better deal on goods and services and save hundreds of pounds through refunds, replacements and repairs.’
David Sayer added:
'Consumer Direct North East adds tremendous value to the Trading Standards Services in the Region. Because we have complaints from across the entire north east region, we have a much better picture of what is going on. This helps us to target what we do much better.'
Anyone in need of clear, practical consumer advice can contact Consumer Direct North East on 08454 04 05 06.
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Notes for Editors
1. Consumer Direct is managed by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council runs the North East service in partnership with Liberata.
2. The service is delivered through 11 contact centres across England, Scotland and Wales and is available to consumers via a single, telephone number and the Consumer Direct website (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk).
3. The information and advice helpline is available on 08454 04 05 06 from 0800-1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900-1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. A Welsh speaking Consumer Direct advisors are available by phoning 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls cost a maximum of 4 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles or other networks may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call. The advice and information given is free.
Media enquiries:
For further information please contact Sue Gungaram, Liaison & Communications Officer on 01642 495 681
