2007
Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber, the government consumer helpline, has given advice to more than 460,000 people in the region since its launch 3 years ago. The telephone and online service gives clear, practical advice to consumers to help them find out about their rights and resolve a range of consumer problems.
28th August 2007
Since August 2004 the service has grown and the team of 47 expert consumer advisors at Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber now respond to around 12,500 calls a month, as well as over 500 emails.
The advice line is making a huge difference, with over 80% of callers saying they were satisfied with the service and that the advice they received helped them to resolve their problem themselves. Helping callers with any consumer problem, from faulty goods to dodgy workmanship, Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber answers 96% of calls in under 20 seconds.
John Field, Consumer Direct Yorkshire & Humber Manager said:
'Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber is proving to be a real success and has brought incredible benefits to consumers across the region. I am delighted we have been able to help so many people in our first three years.'
'With a single phone number to call, available six days a week, it is easier for everyone to access quality consumer advice when they need it - enabling people to get a fair deal for themselves.' John added.
Consumer Direct’s Advisors are able to directly help eight out of ten callers by giving them the knowledge, tools and confidence to deal with the problem themselves. By working in close partnership with Trading Standards, cases which require further assistance or where the complaint is of a serious or criminal nature, can be referred on for investigation.
Anyone in need of clear, practical consumer advice can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
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Media contact: For further information please call Suzanne Kitchen on 0113 2013604
Notes to editors:
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, supported by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered working in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards. It provides clear, practical, impartial advice to help resolve problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services.
2. The eleven partner authorities that make up Consumer Direct Yorkshire and the Humber are: York, East Riding, Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Rotherham, West Yorkshire, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and North Yorkshire. The service was launched in August 2004.
3. Consumer Direct is currently available for consumers in East of England, East Midlands, London, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales as well as Yorkshire and the Humber. 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. Minicom users only should call 08451 28 13 84.
4. 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.
Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber Statistics
Between August 2004 and August 2006:
• The top complaint areas have been:
1. Home maintenance
2. Second hand cars
3. Furniture
4. Telecommunications
5. Audio-visual
6. Large domestic appliances
7. Personal computers
8. Clothing
9. Glazing products & installation
10. Car repairs & servicing
