Rogue mobility traders targeted after rise in complaints
Derbyshire residents have been warned to beware of rogue traders selling mobility aids following a surge in complaints.The number of complaints received by Derbyshire County Council's trading standards team has risen year-on-year from 46 in 2005-06 to a record level of 638 in 2009/10.
Councillor Kevin Parkinson, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Thankfully the vast majority of traders in Derbyshire operate within the law and provide a good service.
"However, a handful of unscrupulous traders are responsible for this rise in complaints − breaking the law to target some of the most vulnerable members of society.
"We will continue to vigorously pursue companies miss-selling mobility products and take legal action when appropriate.
"Customers can get a list of reputable mobility companies through our Trusted Trader scheme."
Complaints received include:
− Doorstep callers falsely claiming to be from health authorities or social services
− Failure to provide or honour a customer's cancellation rights
− Aggressive selling
− Extortionate pricing
− Repeat sales visits to victims
The county council is now prioritising investigations into complaints about mobility companies.
And its officers will visit new mobility companies to offer advice and check that they are trading legally.
The number of complaints about rogue mobility traders has risen nationally. Derbyshire County Council's trading standards officers are sharing their experiences with the Office of Fair Trading to guide a national response to the problem.
Derbyshire County Council's Trusted Trader scheme is the largest local authority scheme of its kind in the country − listing over 1,000 local traders which have been rigorously checked.
Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader (opens in a new window) or Call Derbyshire 08456 058 058.
Notes to news editors
The number of complaints received by Derbyshire County Council about mobility companies:
2005/06 46 complaints
2006/07 115 complaints
2007/08 148 complaints
2008/09 377 complaints
2009/10 638 complaints