Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Policy and Resources Item 8

11 November 2004

Consumer Direct

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

That:

1. The County Council takes a minority interest in Trading Standards South East Ltd.

2. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services be authorised to nominate a senior manager in Regulatory Services to be appointed as a Director of Trading Standards South East Ltd, and to make the necessary changes to the Advice Service to ensure maximum benefit to the public and businesses of Hampshire, whilst embracing the Consumer Direct initiative.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

To meet the requirements of the Consumer Direct national initiative, which will provide consumers with a uniform level of high quality and easily accessible trading standards advice.

2.2

This decision supports Aims 1, 3 and 5 of the Corporate Strategy by helping the public and businesses of Hampshire become knowledgeable and confident consumers, educating the public and businesses to deal with the more reputable traders and marginalise rogue traders, providing a graded approach to consumer advice, and adjusting the advice provision to the needs of the consumer.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

Not applicable

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

Not applicable

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor T K Thornber