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Our Responsibilities 

We deal with a wide range of consumer legislation and exercise our responsibilities by:-

Enforcement

If you have a complaint concerning goods or services purchased, either as a consumer or trader, and the complaint reveals a breach of criminal legislation for which we are responsible, we will take appropriate enforcement action.

Advice

We provide consumers and traders with consumer law advice regarding rights and obligations when purchasing goods and services. If you are setting up a new business we can offer advice and assistance. We also operate a Money Advice Service.

Education

A wide range of advisory leaflets are available free of charge and Officers are happy to assist in resolving any consumer complaints you may have.

Our Promise

Our staff will:

• deal with your enquiry or complaint in strict confidence
• give you the name of the officer dealing with your enquiry
• respond to enquiries in a helpful, positive and courteous manner at all times
• inform you as soon as possible what we can do to help
• keep you informed every 2 weeks of the progress we are making
• in cases where your enquiry is not our responsibility, ensure that the details are passed to the appropriate organisation.

Our Priorities

The service aims to provide a modernised, adequately resourced, fully equipped Trading Standards service.  By continually exploring new ways of working, responding to the needs of our customers and developing partnerships with other organisations, we aim to make a significant difference to the safety and quality of life of consumers, and the competitiveness of businesses in the Scottish Borders.

These aims link in to the Community and Corporate Objectives.

Jobs and the economy: by supporting local businesses through education and fair and consistent enforcement, helping them to get it right first time.

The environment: through the licensing and registration of petroleum storage and other dangerous products and the enforcement of 'green' legislation.

Safer and healthier communities: through the enforcement of under age sales legislation, particularly in relation to tobacco products, and community safety initiatives.

Providing excellent services: through participation in the Best Value process and EFQM initiatives.

Working with partners: involving stakeholders and other agencies in the design and delivery of services.