In the wake of the jailing last week of fraudster Simon Regan, the Isle of Wight council’s Trading Standards team have issued some helpful advice on spotting and avoiding rogue traders.
Regan, director of Angel Coatings Ltd, was sentenced to three years behind bars and disqualified as a company director for six years after he was found guilty of Fraudulent Trading, contrary to the Companies Act 2006.
Overcharged for substandard work
Regan was in the business of laying resin drives and pathways and charged residents and businesses across three counties many thousands of pounds for work which in many cases was not up to scratch.
Following the prosecution, Trading Standards have put together some guidance to help Island residents find a trader that won’t let them down.
Finding a trader
Always make sure you carry out some research before engaging a trader for home improvement work.
If a trader claims to be a member of a professional body or trade association, check this yourself and ask to see examples of other work they have carried out in the area.
Always obtain more than one quote too. We would also recommend arranging a payment schedule with your trader; you will then know how much you are going to pay throughout the contract and when.
Also, make sure you obtain the trader’s full name and address which you’ll need if anything goes wrong and you need to pursue them in court
Trader approval schemes
The Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards team operate their own local scheme: Isle of Wight Trader Approval Scheme.
Traders on the scheme have been rigorously vetted to ensure they meet the terms and conditions, and we expect them to operate within the law.
Legislation
Any consumer to trader contract is protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
This is civil legislation and the consumer can seek advice from the Citizens Advice Helpline for any issue around a trader’s contract on 0808 223 1133.
The Consumer Contract Regulations 2013
When you agree a contract with a trader, and the contract is for more than £42, you are protected by The Consumer Contract Regulations 2013.
These stipulate the trader has to provide you with certain pre-contract information, such as their details and you will have 14 days to cancel this contract.
What can Trading Standards do?
Trading Standards can no longer provide civil advice so, if you encounter problems with your trader, you should try to sort these out as amicably as possible in the first instance.
If you cannot resolve the issues, then contact the Citizens Advice Helpline where you will be given advice and guidance around what steps you will need to take to resolve the issue.
Doorstep selling
These are rogue traders and target areas where they feel vulnerable residents may live.
They will offer to do work for what seems like a reasonable price but will invariably find problems halfway through the job and the price will escalate.
They will rarely be trained or qualified in carrying out the services they offer which means a poor job.
Top tips
Some tips to stay safe from doorstep traders:
- Never deal with anyone who knocks on your door out of the blue and offers to do work for you.
- Never allow a trader to take you to the bank.
- Use a no cold calling door sticker – available from [email protected].
- If you see somebody knocking doors in your area, please call Trading Standards on 823371 (office hours) or the police on 101 giving as much information as you can.
Lucioni: Share with older family, friends or neighbours
Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for public protection, said,
“If you have elderly family, friends or neighbours, make sure they are aware of this information as it could prevent them from becoming a victim in the future.
“Most contracts will be performed in budget and on time, however, for those that aren’t, this can be a very stressful time for the consumer.
“Take precautions to ensure you don’t fall foul of a trader in your home.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
