Trading Standards Team: Enforcement and Service Standards
We aim to ensure that when we enforce the law our actions are
proportionate, consistent, fair, and appropriate, that people
understand why the action is being taken, what is expected from
them and what they should expect from us. We aim to be helpful and
open in our actions and target our resources at the highest risk
areas.
If as a result of an inspection or investigation you are
required to take some action, we will make it clear what must be
done, why, and by when, distinguishing between legal requirements
and good practice, in written and verbal communications. We will
confirm verbal advice in writing when requested. Prior to formal
action being taken, unless immediate action is required, we will
discuss the circumstances, where possible. Where immediate action
is necessary we will explain why it is needed and confirm this in
writing within 10 days. We will also advise businesses on
compliance with the law. Your right of appeal against an
enforcement notice is detailed on the back of the notice.
Officers will identify themselves by name and be courteous,
helpful and provide you with a contact information for future
reference.
We aim to:
- inspect all businesses that we consider as a
high risk at least once a year.
- inspect other premises at intervals that reflect the degree of
risk involved in running that business in accordance with national
agreed guidance. Medium risk premises are visited
at least once every three years. We will endeavour to find less
resource intensive means to deal with our low risked premises.
- serve a notice if one is required following a visit and to
ensure compliance revisit within a maximum of 28 days.
- ensure that anyone requesting a service or making a justifiable
complaint will get a first response within 24 hours or the next
working day informing them who is handling the request, what is
going to be done and how long we estimate it will take to deal
satisfactorily with the matter.
We also aim to:
- respond immediately (same day or within one working day) to
complaints relating to the safety of consumer goods and services
depending on the degree of risk involved. In other cases we will
determine whether an immediate action is required on our part to
help resolve a dispute. This will be dependent on the circumstances
of the case and the vulnerability of the customer.
We aim to:
- respond to complaints about our services within 28 days.
For further information contact Trading
Standards.