Consumer Support Network

Priority Consumer Issues

As a result of the 'needs analysis' which was carried out during the formation of the Barking and Dagenham Consumer Support Network a number of concerns were identified which the Consumer Support Network partners can aim to support local people on.

Consumer problems for people with disabilities and their carers

A working group has been set up between Trading Standards, Age Concern, the Disablement Association of Barking and Dagenham, and the Carers Association, to look at ways of improving the way in which complaints about disability appliances are dealt with in the borough.

Helping residents to find a good builder

The Network is campaigning to get a Good Builders scheme started in the north-east Thames area as a part of the wider campaign against rogue builders and distraction burglary; a type of crime in which a burglar tries to gain access to your home by seemingly legitimate means in order to con or burgle you.

Supporting residents trying to deal with debts and debt collectors

The Network is setting up better links between Trading Standards and advice agencies that deal with debt. The aim is for regulators (Trading Standards) to work more effectively with advisers on tackling debt collectors who harass residents illegally.

Information from consumer complaints will be used to track debt collectors who operate outside the law and help bring them to court.