Trading Standards

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service shortlisted for two industry awards

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service has been shortlisted for two separate awards by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC), recognising its ongoing work to protect residents and businesses against doorstep crime gangs and rogue traders.

The joint service, commissioned by Devon and Somerset County Councils, has been recognised from over 660 entries to this year’s awards, for its...

Beware cowboy builders taking advantage in flood-hit areas

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service is warning people affected by the recent floods to be aware of rogue traders and cowboy builders.

Previous floods and severe weather in the UK have seen rogue traders offering a range of flood and damage recovery services as well as tarmacking, driveway cleaning, roof cleaning, guttering and garden maintenance.

Devon and Somerset...

Free guide to approved quality care and support services in Plymouth

People needing care and support in Plymouth can now get free help to choose good quality services.

Plymouth City Council has signed up to the Support with Confidence scheme. It assesses and approves services so that people can be reassured they are choosing trustworthy companies.

The approval process includes a rigorous audit, thorough background checks and confirmation that...

Trading Standards' warning to register fireworks stores

Fireworks sellers are being warned to make sure they are operating and storing stock legally.

In the run up to Bonfire Night, Plymouth City Council’s Trading Standards service is reminding traders that fireworks intended for sale must be kept in a store that is registered with the Council. Checks are made to ensure the fireworks are stored safely and away from any sources of ignition...

City Trading Standards prosecutes city car dealership

Plymouth CIty Council's trading standards team has prosecuted a car dealership and its former director for making false claims.

A jury convicted MotorCity (Plymouth) Ltd and Michael Haxby of four counts of engaging in an unfair commercial practice yesterday (Thursday 23 May), after the company made claims in a leaflet and on its website that it was a ‘Trading Standards Partner’....

New doorstep crime initiative launched across Devon and Cornwall

A new Devon and Cornwall Doorstep Crime Reduction Partnership is being launched today to help beat bogus callers, rogue traders and distraction burglars.

Devon and Cornwall Police has joined forces with county and district councils’ Trading Standards services throughout the region to tackle doorstep criminals. The aim of the partnership is to help prevent residents becoming victims of...

Campaign launched to tackle illegal tobacco trade

An organisation funded by all 14 Primary Care Trusts in the South West to reduce smoking rates in the region has revealed that 1 in 20 (5.2%) of smokers in Devon now smoke illegal tobacco, a trade with a retail value equivalent of £211m in the South West alone.

Smokefree South West has launched a multi-partnership initiative alongside HMRC, Trading Standards, the Police, Crimestoppers...

Cabbies sign up for consumer confidence scheme

One of Plymouth’s taxi firms has joined the growing ranks of companies signing up to the city’s 'Buy with Confidence' scheme.

Need-a-Cab is the first taxi business to join up to the nationally recognised scheme that aims to take the headache out of finding a reliable and trustworthy local business.

One of the company’s directors, Dave Evans, said: “We’re very proud to be the...

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