Consumer

Police warning following theft of unsafe toys

30 November 2018 0 Comments

A trailer containing an unsafe batch of Little Tikes Squeezoo Bubble Bus and Elephant toys was stolen from Wellesbourne Distribution Park. This batch of toys was on its way to be destroyed due to quality control issues and potential safety risks associated with them.

While the brand is still stocked by reputable retailers, Detective Constable Daniel Griffiths of Warwickshire Polce said: “We’re urging people to show caution when buying these toys them from a market, car boot sale, online auction site or social media.

“This particular batch of toys were on their way to be destroyed due to quality control issues and there are potential safety risks associated with them.

“We have launched an investigation to identify the offenders and retrieve the stolen toys. I’d appeal for anyone with information that could help with our investigation to contact us.”

The stolen trailer is blue curtain sided with a red chassis with the identification number C451753. The number plate may have the partial registration WT67.

Anyone with information about the theft or who thinks they have seen the stolen toys for sale should call police on 101 quoting incident 50 of 22 November 2018.

CALL 101 – INCIDENT 50 of 22 NOVEMBER 2018.

Alternatively, information be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Kent County Council Public Protection
Warwickshire Police

Consumer, Crime, News, Safety

Buying something online?

28 November 2018 0 Comments

Your rights can be different when buying from an online marketplace – websites where traders and private individuals list and sell products.

What are my rights?

If you’re buying from an online trader your rights are the same as if you were buying from any other online store.

  • You normally have up to 14 days after receiving your goods to change your mind and get a full refund.
  • If there is a problem with your item within the first 30 days from when you’ve bought it, you could get a refund, replacement or repair.
  • If it can’t be repaired or replaced, then during the first 6 months in most cases you’re entitled to a full refund.
  • If you’re buying online from an individual seller, the principle of ‘buyer beware’ applies.
  • Goods have to be how they were described to you by the seller, but the seller doesn’t have to disclose any faults.
  • The seller can’t misrepresent goods though – for example claiming something used is brand new.

What can I do if I have a problem?

  • Contact the seller to try to resolve the issue.
  • Check the online marketplaces’ terms and conditions. These will sometimes offer you more protections.
  • If the seller arranged delivery, and the item hasn’t turned up or was delivered to the wrong location, it’s the seller’s legal responsibility to sort out the issue.
  • Some traders belong to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme, which means they offer a way to solve your problem without going to court.

What if I have a problem with a private seller?

  • Try to resolve the issue by contacting the seller directly first, but if you can’t:
  • Check whether the online marketplace has their own protection and dispute resolution systems.
  • Consider making a claim to the court – this is sometimes called a ‘small claim’.

Find out more about your rights and National Consumer Week at
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/NCW18

#NCW

Communications, Consumer, News

Consultation on TV Licence for over 75s

25 November 2018 0 Comments

TelevisionAge-related TV licence policy consultation

BBC

Today people over 75 are entitled to receive a free TV licence, but UK Government funding for this concession is coming to an end in 2020. The BBC want to know your views about what they should do in the future.Please read the consultation document before responding. This sets out possible options for the future along with some specific questions to help you respond. You may also want to read the accompanying equality impact assessment.You may also find it useful to read the report prepared by an external economics consultancy, Frontier Economics. This provides some detailed analysis on possible ways to approach the new decision the BBC has to make. In addition, Frontier Economics published a related discussion paper which discusses the changing landscape since 2000, intergenerational fairness and the changing financial context.When you’re ready to take part, click the link below and you’ll be taken to the online consultation questionnaire.

Key Document

Have Your Say

Respond to this consultation
https://bbcconsultation.traverse.org.uk/

Related Documents

BBC
www.bbc.com/yoursay

Image: Creaticca Ltd
License:  Creative Commons (Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Communications, Consultation, Consumer, News, Uncategorized

Brookfield Post Office Temporary Closure

16 October 2018 0 Comments

The Post Office has announced that, regrettably, following the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use the Brookfield Post Office will be closing temporarily on Wednesday 24 October 2018.

Adam Williams of Post Office wrote: “Looking after a nationwide network of Post Office services, we have a responsibility to make sure every service makes the best possible use of resources, while ensuring that customers can still access our products and services. I can assure you that we will continue to work to find a solution that will provide a Post Office service to the local community.

“If you have any questions you would like to raise about this matter, please write to me via the National Consultation Team at the address shown at the end of the letter. Please note that your comments will not be kept confidential unless you expressly ask us do so by clearly marking them “In Confidence”.

“Any future changes to service provision would be handled in line with our Principles of Community Engagement. A copy is available at the end of this letter.

“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience the temporary closure may cause. We hope that our customers will continue to use the Post Office and full details of alternative Post Office services in the area are shown at the end of this letter.

“We will write to you again once I have any news about our plans for future service provision.”

Contact Post Office:

email: comments@postoffice.co.uk

online: www.postofficeviews.co.uk/

FREEPOST Your Comments

Alternative branches:

Kingsnorth Road Post Office

Kingsnorth Road
Ashford
TN23 6HZ

Services

The same range of services will continue to be available with the addition of dollar Travel Money and On Demand Travel Insurance.

Access and facilities

This branch has automatic wide door and level access at the entrance.

Transport/parking

Forecourt parking is available outside. There are local buses serving the surrounding area.

Distance

This Post Office service is located approximately 0.8 miles away from Brookfield branch, along varied terrain.

Opening times

Monday 07:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 07:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 07:00 – 21:00
Thursday 07:00 – 21:00
Friday 07:00 – 21:00
Saturday 07:00 – 21:00
Sunday 07:00 – 21:00

Singleton Post Office

Singleton Centre
Singleton
Ashford
TN23 5GR

Services

The same range of services will continue to be available with the addition of Car tax, comprehensive range of Travel Money
and On Demand Travel Insurance.

Access and facilities

This branch has automatic wide door and level access at the entrance.

Transport/parking

Off road parking is available nearby. There are local buses serving the surrounding area.

Distance

This Post Office service is located approximately 1.1 miles away from Brookfield branch, along varied terrain.

Opening times

Monday 06:00 – 22:00
Tuesday 06:00 – 22:00
Wednesday 06:00 – 22:00
Thursday 06:00 – 22:00
Friday 06:00 – 22:00
Saturday 06:00 – 22:00
Sunday 07:00 – 22:00

Consumer, News

Magazine Debt Fraud Alert

6 April 2018 0 Comments

Fraudsters are cold calling victims nationwide and tricking them into paying a debt for magazine advertisement subscriptions that do not exist.

How does this fraud work?

Victims receive a telephone call from someone purporting to be a bailiff enforcing a court judgement, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt.

Over the phone the fraudsters state the debt originates from the victim not paying a magazine advertisement subscription.

The fraudsters use a variety of magazine names and publishers and are using the names such “Scott Davis”, “Stephen King” and “Mark Taylor”. These are names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents employed by debt enforcement companies.

Bank transfer

Fraudsters then request that the debt be repaid by bank transfer. If the victim refuses, they threaten to visit the victim’s home or place of work to recover the debt that is owed.

Once the money has been transferred, victims are not provided with receipt details of the payment or contact details. Later when victims make enquiries, they’ll discover that the debt did not exist, and often that no advertisement was placed.

This type of fraud is nationwide. Since 2017, there have been 52 reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, there are a range of different businesses and individuals being targeted.

How to protect yourself:

Listen to your instincts: just because someone knows your basic details, such as your name and address, it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
Stay in control: always question cold callers. Always contact the companies directly using a known email or phone number.
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: A legitimate company will be prepared to wait whilst you verify information.
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to us.

Visit Take Five and Cyber Aware for more information about how to protect yourself online.

Action Fraud  5th April 2018
www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/fraudsters-claiming-to-be-bailiffs-tricking-people-into-paying-fake-debts-apr18

Consumer, Crime, News, Security

Compensation for scam victims who used Western Union

24 January 2018 0 Comments

For years, fraudsters have used Western Union as a way to receive money from scam victims. Following an investigation in America, Western Union agreed to refund victims who sent money to fraudsters between 1 January 2004 and 19 January 2017.  If you lost money to a scam during this time you may be entitled to receive a percentage of the amount you lost.

Types of scams covered by these refunds includes:

  • Lottery or prize draw
  • Discounted products or other financial rewards
  • Emergency scams – to help relatives and/or avoid imprisonment or arrest
  • Advance-fee loans
  • Online dating or romance scams
  • Employment opportunities

How to make a claim

  • To apply you must file a petition of remission to Western Union
  • Filing a petition is FREE
  • Apply online by filling in the Western Union remission form
  • Visit Western Union website to find out more
    http://www.westernunionremission.com/

To be considered you must file a petition on or before 12 February 2018 

FILL IN REMISSION FORM
https://kccsecure.com/westernunionremission/Claimant/UnKnownClaimForm

Contact details

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer service

Kent County Council  22 January 2018
http://mailchi.mp/dd6ee5a1cb33/compensation-for-scam-victims-who-used-western-union

Consumer, Crime, Kent County Council, News

Doorstep criminals target residents following Storm Eleanor

4 January 2018 0 Comments

Think before you BuyKent county Council Public Protection are warning Kent residents to beware of doorstep criminals. Following storm Eleanor criminals are attempting to convince people into unnecessary or overpriced work.Doorstep criminals may claim your roof tiles are loose,your chimney stack is dangerous or trees need to be felled due to damage.Accepting work from a doorstep criminal can result in paying much more than you intended for very poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work.

If you require work done to your home get at least three quotes and never give a doorstep caller cash.
For a list of Kent County Council approved traders

Help keep your community safe 

Please look out for neighbours and report any suspicious doorstep callers to us.  

Report it
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact Citizens Advice consumer service

Kent County Council Public Protection 04 January 2018
https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=ce2871176f2cf0da723a750b1&id=9cc2ad93ee

 

Consumer, Home, Kent County Council, News

Healthier You for New Year

30 December 2017 0 Comments

Is your New Year’s Resolution about a healthier lifestyle?

Are you planning to lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking?

Before signing up for that expensive diet plan or gym membership call at the One You shop in Park Mall for free advice and support.

ONE YOU delivers a variety of free health services, support and advice including:

  • Support for quitting smoking
  • Healthy weight management for adults and children
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Support and advice on a range of lifestyle issues

With the right support and motivation you can make small changes to improve your health right away and double your chances of staying healthy as you get older.

Offering a friendly and unintimidating environment, people visit ONE YOU to ask questions and take advantage of the free health services on offer. You can drop in unannounced or arrange a scheduled appointment.

You can also get advice online at https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou

Cancelling a subscription or gym membership

If you do decide to try a diet plan or gym membership check the terms and conditions before signing and know your rights on cancelling payments:

Stopping a future payment on your debit or credit card
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/stopping-a-future-payment-on-your-debit-or-credit-card/

Cancelling a gym membership
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/cancelling-a-gym-membership/

Consumer, Finance, Health, News

Can you return unwanted gifts?

27 December 2017 0 Comments

Legally you have the right to return goods that are faulty or mis-described but you don’t have the right to return unwanted goods.  Ask about the returns policy 
When buying gifts this Christmas ask the seller about their returns policy before you pay. Some sellers may have specific conditions before they will accept goods back like returning goods within a set time period, in their original container or with the tags and labels attached.

Not all sellers will offer a refund some may only offer an exchange or store credit.

Make sure you’re happy with the sellers return policy before you buy.

Your rights explained
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

Kent County Council 15 December 2017
http://mailchi.mp/bab4ab365891/how-to-spot-fake-electrical-goods-puppy-buying-tips-and-more

Consumer, Kent County Council, News

Health watchdog consults on future aims

18 December 2017 0 Comments

Shaping our Future

Healthwatch

Opens: 08 November 2017
Closes: 03 January 2018

Healthwatch the independent national champion for people who use health and social care services, launched in 2012. Since then, in partnership with local Healthwatch, they have worked hard to understand what people want from care services and make sure that those who run services hear these views.

They are now developing their strategy for 2018 – 2023.

Between June and September 2017, they asked the public, professionals and local Healthwatch a number of questions to help shape their future focus. They invite you to take part in the next phase of their strategy.

They asked people where they should focus their efforts to have the biggest impact.

The ideas people shared largely focussed on the following areas:

  • Working to improve existing care, particularly the access people have to support, and the avoidable differences in people’s experience of health and social care across the population.
  • Mental health and care for older people were also common issues where people wanted to see improvements.
  • Making it easier for more people to have an equal say in decisions that affect them by tackling barriers, such as public awareness and professional attitudes.
  • Ensuring that communities are involved in shaping future health and social care services.
  • Supporting a stronger, more consistent Healthwatch network – from the service the public receives, to the way the network works together to achieve change.
  • Maintaining the independence of the network and working in partnership with others to improve health and social care services.

What this means for their work

People’s feedback has helped inform the development of three aims for their future.

  1. Empowering you and your community to have your say

    We want to make sure people can access the information they need to take control of their health and care, make informed decisions and shape the services that support them.

  2. Providing a high quality Healthwatch service for you

    We want to support a consistently high quality Healthwatch service for people who want to share their views or find information about health and social care. We also want to help local Healthwatch to champion people’s views effectively and make sure that local health and social care services truly reflect people’s needs.

  3. Making sure your views help improve health and social care

    We want people’s views to drive health and social care – ensuring you get access, on an equal basis with others, to support that works for you, as well as helping to shape future services for your community.

Download “Shaping our Future”
www.healthwatch.co.uk/sites/healthwatch.co.uk/files/20171107_-_shaping_our_future.pdf

They would like to hear your views on these aims.

Have your say via the Healthwatch website
www.healthwatch.co.uk/resource/shaping-our-future

Consultation, Consumer, Health, News