► Consumer

Consumer

We are all regular consumers and form time to time, we might have consumer difficulties whether it be because we feel we have been mis-sold something, bought faulty goods or not received a service we were expecting. Whatever the situation, we are all susceptible to unscrupulous traders and contracts.

Your 'rights' can be a complicated mine field and whilst we may not have all the immediate answers, we have access to a large resource of information or links to people who know how to help you.

Consumer Direct are available on 08454 04 05 06 and provide advice and assistance to people before they make a purchase and also afterwards when things go wrong.  It is a telephone and online service funded by the Office of Fair Trading.

Consumer Focus is the statutory consumer champion dealing with a broad range of issues relating to the consumer, primarily energy and postal issues but can extend this to other consumer issues if they feel it is in the interests of the consumer.  This organisation does not deal with the individual case.

If you are a UK resident travelling within the European Union, you can find further information on your consumer rights at the European Consumer Centre.

Ofcom deals with consumer issues on communicative technology such as television and telephones.

One thing many people don't like buying but should in order to avoid a hefty fine is a TV Licence.