PAPER C

FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE – 15 NOVEMBER 2004

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE TRADER APPROVAL SCHEME

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR FIRE, EMERGENCY PLANNING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

This report provides the Select Committee with information about the introduction of the “Buy With Confidence” trader approval scheme.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

1. The Select Committee is invited to receive a presentation from Pauline Paulls, Senior Trading Standards Inspector, Lead Officer for “Buy With Confidence.” Mrs Paulls will give further details of the history of trader approval schemes, the benefits they bring, the vetting process and current progress with the scheme. Views are sought on how this scheme should evolve.

2. To note progress so far and to support the Trading Standards Service’s plans for the introduction of the “Buy With Confidence” trader approval scheme for the benefit of the Isle of Wight consumers and businesses.

BACKGROUND

1. Doorstep selling has become a way for criminals to target elderly and vulnerable householders. There is a history of criminals posing as genuine workmen, offering tarmacking or building work cheaply to gain residents’ trust, then duping them into parting with exorbitant sums of money for shoddy work. They may also use the opportunity to steal cash and valuables from the householder. We believe that such criminals have been operating on the Island this summer and the Trading Standards Service has been working with the Police to alert the public and to catch the perpetrators.

2. Householders often fall for these tricks because they are unsure of who to trust to carry out repairs to their home, or on occasions for the provision of other goods and services. Additionally there are legal restrictions upon the information the Trading Standards Service can disclose to consumers about, for example, the previous complaint history of particular traders.

In order to tackle these problems the Isle of Wight Trading Standards Service is planning to launch a trader approval scheme on the Island called “Buy With Confidence.” Wide consultations have been carried out with interested parties. Entry into the scheme would be free.

3. Following applications, traders are vetted during an audit by Trading Standards Officers. Background checks are carried out to ensure that the Trading Standards Service can be confident that the trader is operating fairly. A register of approved traders will be available to local consumers to enable them to make informed choices when selecting providers of goods and services. As soon as a critical mass of traders has been

approved, the scheme will be formally launched to the public. It is anticipated that the public launch will be in March 2005.

Further details about the scheme can be found at www.iwbuywithconfidence.info.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Consumer Protection Service Plan.

Service Delivery Plan for the Isle of Wight under the National Performance Framework for Trading Standards Services.

The introduction of the “Buy With Confidence” Scheme is consistent with the following corporate objectives:-

Improving health, housing and the quality of life for all.

Encouraging job creation and economic prosperity.

Creating safe and crime-free communities.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

During the setting-up process officers have consulted widely with as many interested groups as possible, such as, Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureau, older peoples groups, groups representing disabled people, the Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Community Wardens and local trade organisations. These consultations have indicated that the introduction of this scheme will be greatly welcomed. As a primary partner in the Isle of Wight Consumer Support Network we are aware that the “Buy With Confidence” scheme is something that would be very much welcomed by partner organisations.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

The scheme cannot be introduced without considerable input of human resources. Officers and support staff are currently carrying this work in addition to their other duties. Once the scheme has momentum the efforts put into initial set-up will decrease. There will, however, be a continuing requirement to operate and service the scheme.

Initial set-up costs are modest when set against the benefits the scheme will bring to consumers businesses and to the Trading Standards Service itself, and are estimated to be no more than £5,000 in addition to officer time. In future years, however, it is anticipated that revenue will be generated for the scheme by the provision of training opportunities to participating businesses.

The introduction of the “Buy With Confidence” scheme is compatible with the Council’s policies on Crime and Disorder.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPERATION OF THIS REPORT

None used in the preparation of this report.

Contact Point: Pauline Paulls, Senior Trading Standards Inspector

Tel: 823373, Email: [email protected]

CLLR DAVID KNOWLES

Portfolio Holder for Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection