The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is calling for a focus on local trading standards services as the foundation of a strong national consumer protection system, following the publication of Which? report ‘Creating a successful enforcement system for UK consumers’ yesterday.
Chief Executive of CTSI, Leon Livermore, says: “We are calling on the Government to commit to reforms that prepare consumer protection and business support for the 21st century. Frontline trading standards services make up the foundations of robust national enforcement, and CTSI agrees with Which? on the need for greater central support and accountability.”
CTSI sees a need for strengthening the current system for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a vital tool for consumers and businesses who are unable to solve a dispute privately, as was also highlighted in the Which? report. CTSI is the ADR competent authority, and currently approves and audits all ADR bodies in non-regulated sectors.
Service Director at CTSI, Andy Allen, said: “The ADR system has seen vast improvements, but greater resources could lead to improved uptake by traders and a more robust system for all involved.”
