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Trading Standards& Licensing |
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About Our ServiceNeighbouring Trading Standards Services
About UsThe Trading Standards & Licensing Service is an important regulatory function of local government. We carry out a wide range of duties with the aim of protecting consumers. This protection is provided in relation to virtually the full range of personal and household expenditure, from the purchase of daily necessities to the arrangement of a mortgage. Our work also aims to bring about a fair trading environment in which reputable and responsible business activity, essential to the success of the local economy, can succeed. Our duties and responsibilities require the investigation into areas of clear criminal activity such as consumer fraud, counterfeiting, intentional and reckless infringement and malpractice operating to the detriment of consumers and reputable traders. The impact of our work on local communities is considerable. Some of the more obvious benefits are:
|Top| PrioritiesWe aim to promote a fair and safe trading environment to protect consumers and allow reputable businesses to thrive. We aim to do this by providing a Trading Standards & Licensing Service that is responsive to the needs of the community, uses flexible and proportionate working practices and is committed to a drive for quality, review and continuous improvement. We will strive to achieve these key aims through a number of service objectives. Informed Confident Consumers
Informed Confident Businesses
A Fair and Safe Trading Environment
|Top| PerformanceEach year we set key activities and performance targets for the year ahead which address the needs and priorities of the users of the service. These priorities are identified through various methods including consultation surveys, analysis of request for service and results of proactive enforcement work. We monitor our performance on a monthly basis and produce half yearly performance reports. To view the performance reports select the appropriate |View| link below. Our annual performance targets are outlined in our Service Delivery Plan. To view the plan select the appropriate |View| link below:
|Top| EnforcementWe have adopted the Government's Concordat on Good Enforcement, which commits us to following fair, effective and consistent policies and procedures. A copy of the Concordat is available by selecting the appropriate |View| link below. On occasions we have to deal with matters that may constitute a criminal offence, for which a range of actions may be taken against an individual, partnership or company. These matters will be investigated thoroughly to establish all the facts and where appropriate Officers will use their legal powers to enter premises, take samples, inspect and copy records, or seize goods and documents. On all occasions we will comply with the Human Rights Act and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. At the end of our investigation a decision will be made whether to deal with the matter informally, or whether to follow a more formal course of action that may ultimately lead to prosecution. How we reach that decision is explained in our Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services. To view our Enforcement Policy please select the appropriate |View| button below. |Top| Calibration ServicesWe jointly fund the Tees Valley Measurement Metrology Laboratory with the other Teesside Authorities. The Centre provides a range of services to businesses. For further information visit the Tees Valley Measurement website by selecting |View|. |Top| Satisfied with our Service?
We try to provide the best possible service at all times. It is so important that customers who use our services tell us how we are doing. They may be compliments, (for instance if you have found a particular service or member of staff helpful), ideas about how we could do things better or you may have a complaint. You can let us know your views by selecting the link below: |Commendations, Comments & Complaints| Whatever your views are we welcome them and will use them to improve our services to communities. |Top| Neighbouring Trading Standards Services
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Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council