Our CommittmentAt the Trading Standards Service we’re serious about bringing you the best service we can. This section will tell you what you can expect of us.
You will come into contact with the service in the following circumstances.
Inspections
The service carries out inspections of premises to ensure that they comply with their legal requirements. Businesses are classified as either high, medium or low risk in accordance with national guidance. We aim to visit 100% of high risk premises, 50% of medium risk and 25% of low risk premises each year.
Complaints/Enquiries
On occasions the service may receive a complaint or enquiry concerning your business and will visit you to discuss the matter.
Trader Advice
You may require advice or assistance from the service. Again an Officer will discuss any relevant matters.
Surveys
The service carries out surveys on certain areas of trade. This can be done by a discussion with your Company or by means of a test purchase.
On visiting your business our Officers will :-
• identify themselves
• inform you of the nature of the visit
• on completion of the visit discuss their findings and if necessary give written clarification as to any breaches of the law.
Service Standards
We are always happy to discuss with business groups and individual traders, how we can improve the service.
Information
We provide advice leaflets which are available on request. Officers will also discuss and advise you on any queries that you may have.
Enforcement Policy
The service operates an enforcement policy to ensure that any criminal investigations are handled correctly and that there is consistency in decision making.
We will satisfy ourselves that there are sufficient grounds to initiate proceedings and that proceedings will be in the public interest. The Policy is available on this website.
If you have a Complaint About Us
If you are unhappy with the standard of service you have received, you can discuss your concern with the Officer.
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the discussion with the Officer or discussing the case with the Officer is inappropriate, then you can complain directly to the Head of Trading Standards. On request you will be provided with his/her details.
If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint you will be advised of the Authority’s Complaints Procedure.
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