New laws to deter conmen

12:20pm Tuesday 14th October 2008

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NEW laws protecting consumers from pushy or rogue doorstep sellers come into force this month.

Trading Standards officers from Hampshire County Council will be enforcing the new legislation, which extends cooling-off periods and cancellation rights for customers who buy goods or services on their doorstep.

People will now have seven days in which to cancel any contract, provided the total amount concerned exceeds £35.

The regulations also require cancellation rights to be clearly displayed in any written contract or provided in writing if there is no written contract, together with a cancellation form.

The legislation came into effect on October 1, and is aimed at traders and businesses that enter into a contract with a consumer at their home or workplace, regardless of whether the consumer asked them to call.

The types of businesses affected will include home improvement, repair and maintenance services, energy-efficiency products or installations, consumer goods and homeware, as well as the more traditional doorstep sales of goods and services.

Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “The legislation complements a number of measures already in place by Trading Standards to help protect residents. It will also help to tackle any rogue traders using underhand tactics to take advantage of current loopholes in the law.”

A template of cancellation rights and notices is available online at www.hants.gov.uk

Alternatively, call Trading Standards on 01962 833620.