2008
Consumer Direct East Midlands, the government-backed consumer helpline, celebrates reaching its three year milestone this week as the advice service reveals it has helped 350,000 consumers in the region.
The Consumer Direct East Midlands team of 27 Advisors has clocked up around 56,000 hours on the phone, advising the region’s consumers and helping them save time, money and stress in getting their consumer problems resolved. Each month the service responds to an average of 9,500 calls and over 300 emails.
A recent survey showed that of those who successfully resolved their complaint after contacting Consumer Direct, over half saved more than £100 per person through refunds, repairs and replacements with nine per cent saving more than £1000. In the last year, Consumer Direct has helped East Midland’s consumers save an estimated £6 million.
Sara Barry, Consumer Direct East Midlands Manager said: “In three years Consumer Direct East Midlands has been able to help thousands of people experiencing all kinds of problems with shops and traders. By providing access to clear, practical advice, Consumer Direct gives people the confidence to exercise their rights and get a fair deal for themselves.”
“From calls to Consumer Direct East Midlands, we have a much clearer picture of the consumer issues that are affecting people right across the region, from problems with mobile phone contracts to home improvements and cars.”
Consumer Direct acts as the frontline for Trading Standards, taking reports of rogue trading, providing initial advice and information and giving people the tools to resolve their problem themselves. It also helps Trading Standards to protect consumers and enforce the law. By working with Consumer Direct, Trading Standards services in the region are able to focus on dealing with the most serious issues and carrying out targeted enforcement activity.
For advice and information on any consumer issue call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Top 10 East Midlands Complaints in 2007
| Complaint Types |
Number of complaints 2007 |
|
| 1 | Second hand cars | 4633 |
| 2 | Mobile Phones (service agreements) | 2498 |
| 3 | Mobile Phones (hardware) | 1414 |
| 4 | TVs | 1411 |
| 5 | Car repairs and servicing from independent garages |
1296 |
| 6 | General building work | 1141 |
| 7 | Internet Service Providers | 984 |
| 8 | Upholstered furniture | 924 |
| 9 | Double Glazing | 849 |
| 10 | 10 Telephone services (land line) | 823 |
Total Complaints 61,558
