In support of National Consumer Week, taking place from 2 to 6 November, TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme for trades in and around the home, is urging consumers and businesses to grasp the new provisions in the Consumer Rights Act to empower them to buy and sell with confidence. 

‘Know Your New Rights’ is the theme of National Consumer Week and is being run by Citizens Advice, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the government Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, to increase consumers’ understanding of and their ability to exercise these new rights.

To help steer and support TrustMark’s 13,000 firms through the Act, assured advice has been jointly developed between TrustMark and Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, as part of a dedicated primary authority scheme.  

The guidance provides  information about the new consumer rights and remedies, scenarios and advice regarding the main requirements of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 as regards cancellation periods.

Simon Ayers, Chief Executive of TrustMark, said: “This is an important campaign, particularly as these changes are relevant to all consumers and every business which sells directly to consumers.  Our primary concern is to advise and support our TrustMark registered firms on how their rights and responsibilities will change under the new legislative framework and to encourage effective relationships between all parties through our dispute resolution service. Taking a responsible and proactive approach can help avoid difficulties further down the line, which is better for the business and the customer.   If businesses embrace these new rules and make sure they treat their customers fairly, this in turn will boost consumer confidence.”

Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: “Consumers who know their rights shop with confidence, saving time and money, which is good for all concerned.  People should consider their rights whenever they make a purchase - nobody wants to give or receive a defective product but it is important to know how to resolve any issues, should they arise.”