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17/06/2005
Consumerline commended by customers
Consumerline is a hit with Northern Ireland’s consumers, with 96% of those surveyed, saying they would recommend the advice service.
An independent survey, conducted by MORI Ireland, interviewed 800 consumers to measure customer satisfaction with the consumer advice service, operated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service.
The survey found that of the callers that responded:
In one case the wrong miles on a car’s hire purchase agreement, lead to a £7,000 refund for the consumer. A £6,000 refund was made to a consumer who had bought a caravan that was misdescribed and another consumer received £3,640 because the trader had asked the consumer to sign a document, which purported to deprive him of all of his statutory rights.
Head of Trading Standards Service David Livingstone said: “There is a need for consumer advice in Northern Ireland and the report indicates that the numbers of consumers seeking advice through the helpline and the consumerline.org website is growing.
“There are, however, areas for improvement. The majority of our callers are aged between 25 and 54 years old and we are keen to attract younger and older callers. We will also be looking at encouraging those from other ethnic backgrounds to contact us with their consumer problems.”
Consumerline, which began operating in November 2003, handled 20,076 calls to advisors in 2004/2005.
(SP)
An independent survey, conducted by MORI Ireland, interviewed 800 consumers to measure customer satisfaction with the consumer advice service, operated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service.
The survey found that of the callers that responded:
- 89% were satisfied with the service provided;
- 95% were likely to use the service again;
- 96% would recommend Consumerline to other consumers;
- 96% found the advisors to be helpful;
- 90% were satisfied that the advisors had the knowledge and ability to answer their query;
- 81% found the advice and information provided by the advisors to be helpful in resolving their problem.
In one case the wrong miles on a car’s hire purchase agreement, lead to a £7,000 refund for the consumer. A £6,000 refund was made to a consumer who had bought a caravan that was misdescribed and another consumer received £3,640 because the trader had asked the consumer to sign a document, which purported to deprive him of all of his statutory rights.
Head of Trading Standards Service David Livingstone said: “There is a need for consumer advice in Northern Ireland and the report indicates that the numbers of consumers seeking advice through the helpline and the consumerline.org website is growing.
“There are, however, areas for improvement. The majority of our callers are aged between 25 and 54 years old and we are keen to attract younger and older callers. We will also be looking at encouraging those from other ethnic backgrounds to contact us with their consumer problems.”
Consumerline, which began operating in November 2003, handled 20,076 calls to advisors in 2004/2005.
(SP)
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13 January 2004
Consumerline promises advice for customers in NI
NIO Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Ian Pearson has launched ‘Consumerline’, a telephone helpline offering low-cost access to high quality, practical consumer advice.
Consumerline promises advice for customers in NI
NIO Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Ian Pearson has launched ‘Consumerline’, a telephone helpline offering low-cost access to high quality, practical consumer advice.
09 July 2003
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
18 February 2003
NI consumers satisfied with natural gas
Price and convenience make natural gas a winner with Northern Ireland’s consumers, the latest NI energy survey has revealed. The latest Gas Watch report by consumers watchdog, the General Consumer Council (GCC) revealed that almost 80% of gas consumers found their costs to be as expected or lower than expected.
NI consumers satisfied with natural gas
Price and convenience make natural gas a winner with Northern Ireland’s consumers, the latest NI energy survey has revealed. The latest Gas Watch report by consumers watchdog, the General Consumer Council (GCC) revealed that almost 80% of gas consumers found their costs to be as expected or lower than expected.
26 July 2002
Confident consumers essential to modern economy
Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey has launched the Consumer Strategy for Northern Ireland in an attempt to "drive up business performance" by better informing consumers. The strategy was presented at the inaugural meeting of a new Consumer Councils’ Forum, made up of consumer groups, focused on strengthening and promoting consumer representation.
Confident consumers essential to modern economy
Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey has launched the Consumer Strategy for Northern Ireland in an attempt to "drive up business performance" by better informing consumers. The strategy was presented at the inaugural meeting of a new Consumer Councils’ Forum, made up of consumer groups, focused on strengthening and promoting consumer representation.
23 May 2006
Belfast Consumer Advice Centre relocates
The only Consumer Advice Centre in Northern Ireland operated by a local council has recently ‘moved house’. After almost 29 years in Callender Street, Belfast City Council’s Consumer Advice Centre has relocated to 14 Wellington Place, formerly the First Stop Shop.
Belfast Consumer Advice Centre relocates
The only Consumer Advice Centre in Northern Ireland operated by a local council has recently ‘moved house’. After almost 29 years in Callender Street, Belfast City Council’s Consumer Advice Centre has relocated to 14 Wellington Place, formerly the First Stop Shop.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
