Menu
23/04/2003
Watchdog demands doorstep sales ban
The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has today called for a ban on "doorstep cold-calling" sales, following a national survey in which 95% of those surveyed objected to the practice.
Nearly 9,000 randomly selected householders were surveyed for the national survey last November, and over 95% said that they did not want doorstep sellers calling – less than 1% were in approval.
Around two-thirds of consumers said that they had received a cold call in the previous three months and 25% indicated that they have had a bad experience with a cold-calling doorstep seller in the past two years.
The TSI also found that only one-in-six consumers ever reported an incident of cold-calling to the authorities.
The highest levels of complaints were in relation to property repair, maintenance and improvements, with 9.7% of respondents saying they had had a bad experience with property repairs.
The TSI say that if the figures were extrapolated throughout the UK, the results would equate to 2.4 million people registering problems with property repair callers.
Ron Gainsford, Chief Executive of the Trading Standards Institute said: "Up and down the country householders have been ripped off for large amounts of money by unscrupulous criminals passing themselves off as roofers, gardeners and property improvement businesses. Often using false names and addresses they leave distressed, bewildered and frightened people with little or no chance of redress.
"With the rising aged population and increased home ownership, this is an area long overdue for strict legal control. The public, honest businesses and enforcement authorities are unanimous in their view that it is time to take firm action and ban the cold calling of property repairs, maintenance and improvements."
The TSI have said that they will be working closely with the OFT, Energywatch and other regulatory agencies to try and improve the situation.
(GMcG)
Nearly 9,000 randomly selected householders were surveyed for the national survey last November, and over 95% said that they did not want doorstep sellers calling – less than 1% were in approval.
Around two-thirds of consumers said that they had received a cold call in the previous three months and 25% indicated that they have had a bad experience with a cold-calling doorstep seller in the past two years.
The TSI also found that only one-in-six consumers ever reported an incident of cold-calling to the authorities.
The highest levels of complaints were in relation to property repair, maintenance and improvements, with 9.7% of respondents saying they had had a bad experience with property repairs.
The TSI say that if the figures were extrapolated throughout the UK, the results would equate to 2.4 million people registering problems with property repair callers.
Ron Gainsford, Chief Executive of the Trading Standards Institute said: "Up and down the country householders have been ripped off for large amounts of money by unscrupulous criminals passing themselves off as roofers, gardeners and property improvement businesses. Often using false names and addresses they leave distressed, bewildered and frightened people with little or no chance of redress.
"With the rising aged population and increased home ownership, this is an area long overdue for strict legal control. The public, honest businesses and enforcement authorities are unanimous in their view that it is time to take firm action and ban the cold calling of property repairs, maintenance and improvements."
The TSI have said that they will be working closely with the OFT, Energywatch and other regulatory agencies to try and improve the situation.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 April 2011
Small Businesses Urged To Protect Their Ideas
Small businesses need to do more to protect and exploit their innovations, according to research published today by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The ‘Intellectual Property Awareness Survey of Business’ has shown that only 15 percent of small companies have ever sought advice on safeguarding their ideas.
Small Businesses Urged To Protect Their Ideas
Small businesses need to do more to protect and exploit their innovations, according to research published today by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The ‘Intellectual Property Awareness Survey of Business’ has shown that only 15 percent of small companies have ever sought advice on safeguarding their ideas.
10 December 2014
Bankrupt Property Tycoon Dies In Fall From Penthouse
A bankrupt property tycoon has died after falling from a fourth floor penthouse onto railings in London. Scot Young, 52, fell from his property in Marylebone on Monday. Mr Young was involved in a high-profile divorce battle with his wife Michelle, who got a £20m settlement last year.
Bankrupt Property Tycoon Dies In Fall From Penthouse
A bankrupt property tycoon has died after falling from a fourth floor penthouse onto railings in London. Scot Young, 52, fell from his property in Marylebone on Monday. Mr Young was involved in a high-profile divorce battle with his wife Michelle, who got a £20m settlement last year.
18 October 2013
Private Rents Reach Record High
A property survey has found that the average cost of private rentals in England and Wales have risen by 2.1%, reaching a record high. According to the LSL Property Services produced report, average rents across England and Wales now stands at £757 per month. In September there was a 2.1% increase on the same month a year previous and a 1.
Private Rents Reach Record High
A property survey has found that the average cost of private rentals in England and Wales have risen by 2.1%, reaching a record high. According to the LSL Property Services produced report, average rents across England and Wales now stands at £757 per month. In September there was a 2.1% increase on the same month a year previous and a 1.
28 June 2013
New Unit To Tackle Online Piracy
A new police unit has been announced that will seek to tackle intellectual property crimes such as online piracy and counterfeit goods. Intellectual Property Minister, Lord Younger and City of London Police Commissioner, Adrian Leppard launched the unit today. The government claims it will be one of the first units of its kind in the world.
New Unit To Tackle Online Piracy
A new police unit has been announced that will seek to tackle intellectual property crimes such as online piracy and counterfeit goods. Intellectual Property Minister, Lord Younger and City of London Police Commissioner, Adrian Leppard launched the unit today. The government claims it will be one of the first units of its kind in the world.
08 December 2011
Intellectual Property Chief Appointed To China Despite Scandal
The Government has appointed its first ever Intellectual Property official to China despite an ongoing scandal into powerful lobbyists influencing its dealings with the Chinese Government.
Intellectual Property Chief Appointed To China Despite Scandal
The Government has appointed its first ever Intellectual Property official to China despite an ongoing scandal into powerful lobbyists influencing its dealings with the Chinese Government.
-
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.
