Press Releases

Press Releases from North Somerset Trading Standards

Press Releases from the Trading Standards Institute

National Consumer Week

17 - 21 November is National Consumer Week. See the Press Release for further information

Electric Blanket Testing

This year we will be running two sessions testing the safety of electric blankets. This facility is restricted to North Somerset residents and is by appointment only.

• Somerset Hall, The Precinct, Portishead - Wednesday 19 November, and

• North Somerset Museum, Burlington Street, Weston super Mare - Thursday 20 November.

A member of Avon Fire and Rescue will also be there to discuss other fire safety issues and arrange free Home Fire Safety visits.

To book an appointment please ring 01934 634633

(note: a limit of 2 electric blankets per household applies)

New regulations to ban Unfair Commercial Practices

On the 26th May 2008 the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 brought in to force comprehensive new laws for ‘business to consumer’ sales.

This is, without doubt, the most significant change in consumer law since the introduction of the Trade Descriptions Act in 1968.

For more information click here.

Airline Baggage Weights

There has been a lot of publicity in recent months over air travel charges and the accuracy of scales used at airport check-in desks.

In April 2008 the Trading Standards Institute issued a press release following an investigation into the charges applied by airlines and tests, carried out by Trading Standards Officers, on the scales in use at airports.

Most passangers, very sensibly, check the weight of their luggage before leaving home to make sure that it is within the permitted allowance. Then, on arriving at the airport they may be surprised if the check-in scales show a different weight!

For advice on this issue and further details, go to our air travel advice page.

Shopping across Europe

ECC United Kingdom is a website delivered by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) to provide free information on consumer rights across Europe and assists in cross-border disputes.

The aim is to make consumers feel as confident when shopping in another country as they do at home. To learn more and to access this invaluable tool please click Here

ECC UK is co-financed by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the European Commission.

Home Credit Comparison

A useful new website is now available to help consumers obtain a better deal when getting credit from companies who call at their home to collect payments.

For full details visit our Consumer Advice page.

North Somerset Council

To visit the main North Somerset Council Website Click here

Not in North Somerset? Visit Trading Standards Central where you can locate your local Trading Standards Service by means of a quick Post Code search

North Somerset Trading Standards works with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary on a variety of issues. Click below to link to their website.