Advice and help for consumers

The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues.   Visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

The opening hours for Citizens Advice consumer service are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Citizens Advice consumer service will refer cases back to Trading Standards if appropriate.

You can also e-mail us to let us know about something you feel we should know about, or to comment on the service we provided.

The Buy With Confidence Scheme was first launched in 1999, and now has over 20 local authorities participating, offering benefits to both consumers and businesses.  Cumbria Trading Standards joined the Scheme in February 2011.  It is the largest scheme of its kind in the UK and is still expanding.  

Buy With Confidence is run independently by Trading Standards Services operating stringent vetting procedures.  The Scheme cannot guarantee that a member's work will be perfect every time, however, what can be expected is that any problems encountered will be dealt with fairly by the business, and that Trading Standards will be available to help resolve any issues.  

The Scheme also aims to ensure that member businesses comply with relevant legislation.

More information about the Scheme for businesses and customers can be found by on the Buy with Confidence website, where details of approved traders in your local area can also be found.