Things to think of
Codes of practice
Codes of practice are important because they help to ensure that you, the consumer, get a fair deal from a trustworthy business. On this page you will find out about the schemes in place throughout the UK.
- What are local authority assured trader schemes?
- What is the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network?
- Consumer Codes Approval Scheme
- Trustmark
What are local authority assured trader schemes?
Many local authorities run local trader schemes. They aim to give consumers a reliable way of finding trustworthy local businesses.
Businesses that sign up to the schemes get support and promotion from their local authority Trading Standards Services, in return for a promise that they will meet their legal obligations and treat their customers fairly.
Your local authority Trading Standards office can tell you if they run a local trader scheme. You can find your nearest Trading Standards office to your postcode by visiting their website.
What is the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network?
The Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network (LAATSN) is owned by Local Authority Trading Standards Services and supported by the OFT. It aims to bring greater consistency to local schemes, and to promote the value of local schemes to those who stand to benefit most - local consumers and businesses.
All the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network (LAATSN) member schemes have to meet minimum standards. The schemes have the common aims of:
- Giving consumers a reliable way of finding businesses they can trust
- Offering a source of help and advice if things go wrong
- Enabling local business to demonstrate that they have signed up to national standards of consumer care
Your local council can tell you if they are a member of this scheme or visit the OFT's website for a list of network members.
Consumer Codes Approval Scheme
The CCAS approves consumer codes that are administered by a trade body (generally a trade association). The trade body has to provide evidence that their consumer code meets challenging criteria set out by the OFT, that the members of the trade body are using the code properly and that their customers are benefiting. Only when the OFT is completely sure that the code is effective, will it approve the code.
Once a code has been approved by the OFT, the trade body and its members are then able to display the OFT Approved code logo. If a business displays the OFT Approved code logo you can have confidence that they:
- Are committed to treat you fairly if problems arise
- Will guarantee good customer service
- Give clear-cut information about the goods or services they’re selling
- Gave user-friendly, straightforward and quick procedures for dealing with customer complaints
- Will offer free or low cost dispute resolution, such as arbitration or an ombudsman, if you can’t agree about how to sort out a problem
- Will offer you more rights than the law gives you.
If you want to find a member of an OFT approved code in your area, or want to find out if the business you have transacted with is a member of an OFT approved code, or just want some additional information on the CCAS, please visit the CCAS website at www.oft.gov.uk/codes
TrustMark is a scheme endorsed by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and supported by trade bodies and consumer groups to help people find reliable and reputable tradespeople to carry out repair, maintenance and improvement work inside and outside their homes.
TrustMark is a single logo to look out for that covers all the main trades. Firms can be awarded the logo by a TrustMark approved scheme operator, but must comply with Government-endorsed standards covering technical competence and good customer service.
Find out more at www.trustmark.org.uk
