Help at hand to unravel complexities of new consumer law

Businesses are being offered help and advice by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards to understand and comply with the biggest change to consumer law in the UK for a generation.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 replaces a number of existing laws including the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.

It simplifies, strengthens and modernises consumer law, giving consumers clearer rights and remedies.

In addition, the law gives consumers specific rights when they download digital content, which they did not have before.

Consumers’ rights include:

 *  A 30-day time period to return faulty goods and get a full refund

 *  A ‘tiered’ remedy system, clearly setting out consumers’ rights to a refund, repair or replacement depending on how long the consumer has had the goods.

 *  The right to a repair or a replacement for faulty digital content such as music downloads and e-books, and additional rights if they cause damage to the consumer’s equipment

 *  A right to their money back after one failed repair (or one failed replacement), rather than having to accept numerous attempts to get it fixed. No deduction can be made from the refund in the first six months (with the exception of motor vehicles)

 *  The right to challenge terms and conditions which are not fair or are hidden in the small print

 *  The right to have a service redone if it has not been done with reasonable care and skill.

Cllr John Horner, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: "This new Act represents the biggest change to consumer law in a generation.

“Warwickshire Trading Standards are working with our local business community to provide them with the advice and information they need to understand and apply this new law.”

“Trading Standards Officers have already begun to visit businesses with a range of easy to follow guides and these can also be found on our website, www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards”

Cllr Philip Johnson, chair of Warwickshire County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee added: "We would strongly urge businesses with any questions or concerns to contact Warwickshire Trading Standards on 01926 414040.

"Warwickshire Trading Standards is committed to creating a fair and safe trading environment where consumers are adequately protected and businesses can grow and thrive.”

Warwickshire Trading Standards has developed a general guide for businesses and a specific guide for car dealers. Visit: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fairtrading for more information.

Businesses can also contact Warwickshire Trading Standards for telephone advice on 01926 414040 or email tradingstandards@warwickshire.gov.uk

There is also information on the Business Companion: http://tinyurl.com/warkscra

For further information, please contact Simon Cripwell, Trading Standards Officer: 01926 414039 or 07771 97 55 70.