Why do we need a Consumer Support Network (CSN) in Westminster?

The Westminster CSN helps consumer advice providers deliver a more joined up service to meet local consumer needs. It complements our existing consumer protection role and provides Westminster consumers with better comprehensive advice. Members will normally be either an advice giving agency or act as a "gateway", directing consumers to a relevant advice agency.

In December 2003, our formal registration document to the CSN National team was approved. We are now a "registered" CSN. We are now implementing a number of projects to address specific consumer issues in Westminster.

Who are our members?

Age Concern Westminster, Visit Britain, Central London Community Law Centre, Energywatch, Paddington Law Centre, US Embassy's American Citizens' Services, Westminster Citizens' Advice Bureau, Westminster City Library Services and Woolworths Plc. Please click here for contact information

Doorstep Selling Awareness Campaign

For a number of years, Westminster City Council Trading Standards team have delivered a yearly "Doorstep Selling" campaign to various drop-in centres around Westminster. In partnership with the Police and Westminster Age Concern, officers from Trading Standards gave a series of talks to provide information to older residents about doorstep salesmen and "distraction” burglary.

Talks were held at various Age Concern drop-in centres in Westminster, including a special talk to the Chinese speaking community where a translator assisted with the presentation.

As it can be sometimes difficult for any resident, especially older people, to say no to salesmen - especially when they are standing on the doorstep - a special door hanger was produced to provide information and advice on how to deal with callers at the door. The hanger can be kept by the front door as a reminder.

The four key messages of the campaign are:

• Always ask for identification and call the company's office to check
• Don't be pressurised into buying products or services - take time to think
• Always get several quotes before agreeing to any work
• If you don't want what they're selling - just say no

Please click here to see an example of the 5,000 special door hangers that are being distributed at the talks and through 50 advice agencies.

Note that to view the above document you may need to have installed the free Adobe Acrobat PDF reader. This can be obtained from the Adobe website.

Lord Mayor Opens Westminster Consumer Support Network Event

In January 2004, Westminster's Lord Mayor, Catherine Longworth, formally opened the Westminster Consumer Support Network launch event. The main theme of the event was partnership working. The recent Theatre Ticket operation, led by Trading Standards, was promoted as an example of effective partnership working. Network members joined forces to share intelligence and educate visitors who use ticket agents in the West End.

Another example was the Doorstep Sellers campaign, which warned older adults about unwanted persons calling at their homes. Each Age Concern Drop-In Centre that was visited reacted positively to the talks.

CSN Consumer Survey

In 2006, we consulted consumers in Westminster about their awareness of our service and the Westminster Consumer Support Network. As recommended by the CSN national guidance, we included questions on the key performance indicators to show whether consumers are becoming more informed and confident, and whether they know where to go for help.

The surveys were conducted at Marylebone public library, the Woolworths store in Edgware Road, Westminster University and various Westminster Day Care Centres and Advice Points (in One Stop Services). We received 272 completed questionnaires.

The surveys found that 53% (up from 50% last year) of those questioned felt very well informed or fairly well informed about their rights as consumers.

The surveys also showed that 40% (up from 35%) think that it is very easy or fairly easy to get consumer advice or information.

CSN Book Mark

Keep an eye out for the current Westminster CSN book mark. We've produced it to promote the main consumer advice providers in Westminster. It is available through our members and the Council's One Stop Services offices.

Westminster CSN Members

Members who provide advice services

Westminster Trading Standards

Age Concern Westminster
268/272 Edgware Road
LONDON
W2 1DS
Telephone: 020 7724 6930
Fax: 020 7723 0405
Email: enquiries@ageconcernwestminster.org.uk
Website: www.ageconcern.org.uk

Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau
Westminster Council House
97-113 Marylebone Rd
LONDON
NW1 5PT
Website: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Energywatch
4th Floor, Artillery House
Artillery Row
London
SW1P 1RT
Consumer Helpline: 08459 06 07 08
Fax: 020 7799 8341
Textphone for deaf or hearing impaired consumers: 0845 7581 401
Email: enquiries@energywatch.org.uk
Website: www.energywatch.org.uk

Central London Community Law Centre
19 Whitcomb Street
LONDON
WC2H 7HA

Paddington Law Centre
439 Harrow Road
London
W10 4RE

Gateway members

US Embassy's American Citizens' Services
24 Grosvenor Square
London, W1A 1AE
Website: www.usembassy.org.uk

Visit Britain
Thames Tower
Black's Road
London W6 9EL
Website: www.visitbritain.com

Westminster City Library Services
C/o Marylebone Library
109-117 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5PS
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries/index.cfm

Woolworths Plc
Woolworths House
242/246 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 6JL
Website: www.woolworths.co.uk