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Faulty Christmas gifts? Consumer helpline is at hand

December 23, 2005 7:40 PM
Christmas tree

Consumer Direct Scotland cann be contacted on 08454 04 05 06

Jo Swinson MP has urged constituents to use a special advice line offered by the Scottish Consumer Council (SCC) if they receive poor service or faulty goods over the festive period.

In Scotland each household spends an average of £680 on gifts, with children receiving presents worth £258 on average, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium. Faulty goods or poor service can cause distress over the festive period. Jo said the SCC hotline should be the first point of contact for consumers with any complaints.

Since its launch eighteen months ago, the telephone and online consumer advice line Consumer Direct Scotland has handled more than 100,000 cases and estimate the potential benefits to Scottish consumers as amounting to over £4m.

Jo commented:

"Consumer Direct offers information and advice for people that have encountered bad service or shoddy goods from companies and don't know where to turn to for help. This service is impartial and I would encourage any constituent of mine who experiences problems with goods or services they receive to call.

"Much of the information supplied by the public is passed on by Consumer Direct to local Trading Standards Officers, who can then investigate the scams and rogue practices that undermine consumer and business confidence. By using Consumer Direct, people can help make sure suppliers of poor service and faulty goods are held to account.

"Over the festive period if people are not happy with their Christmas purchases and have a problem they can't resolve, they should contact Consumer Direct Scotland on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

"The advice line is open 8am-6.30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am-1pm on Saturday. It will be closed on the 26th and 27th of December and the 1st and 2nd of January."

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