Kingston Council’s Trading Standards team are supporting an Office of Fair Trading campaign to clamp down on rogue traders this summer.

Figures recently released by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders, in particular uninvited traders offering roofing, tarmacing, insulation and paving services.

Kingston Trading Standards, who work in conjunction with Kingston Police, Kingston Citizen’s Advice and Age Concern Kingston, are supporting the campaign which urges residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard against rogue traders knocking at their door, offering services at attractive rates.

Getting work done on your home can be expensive – it’s extremely important that you make sure you need to get the work done in the first place rather than relying on the word of someone who turns up at the door.  Kingston Council promotes traders who are part of the Trustmark scheme, which means they have met Government-endorsed standards and are recognised as being reliable and trustworthy.  The Trading Standards team are always looking to catch rogue traders so please call Consumer Direct to let them know if you have any concerns about a doorstep trader or need any advice on other consumer queries.  Other local advice & support agencies such as the Police, Citizens Advice and Age Concern Kingston can also help and they welcome information on any suspicious doorstep traders.

 says Cllr Simon James, Executive Member for Environmental Health and Trading Standards

For more information about the Council’s Trading Standards service please contact David Booker, Service Manager, Trading Standards & Registration on 020 8547 5513 or email david.booker@rbk.kingston.gov.uk