Motor Codes backing new measures to protect consumers
Motor Codes is one of the first associations supporting a new UK-wide scheme to strengthen industry self-regulation.
The organisation is an inaugural member of the Trading Standards Institute’s (TSI) new Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, being launched today to give customers greater confidence in trade associations and business organisations that operate codes of practice.
The move by Motor Codes continues its trend as a trailblazer for championing transparency and consumer protection within the automotive industry, the organisation being the very first approved code operator under a previous Office of Fair Trading
initiative.
The scheme has been given the Government’s official backing by Consumer Minister Jo Swinson, who said it will boost consumer confidence and encourage economic growth.
TSI Chief Executive Leon Livermore said: “The Government recognises the importance of this new scheme, which comes with an important sting in the tail. We will be reinforcing the fact that failure for any trader to comply with an industry code, whose logo they display, is a criminal offence for which they could face fines or imprisonment.
“We’re not going to be shy in tackling some of the biggest industries that cause the greatest problems to consumers. We already have members of the scheme covering the motor industry, solar power, mobility aids and debt – but we expect to include double glazing, furniture and travel in the near future. We are confident more members will come on board as they recognise the power of the TSI Consumer Codes Approval Scheme logo in attracting consumers to their business.”
More than 15,000 traders have already signed up to one of nine approved codes of practice. Consumers will be able to look for the TSI Approved Code logo, or search a dedicated database at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk, for a member of an approved code in their area.
Under the scheme, which replaces the Office of Fair Trading scheme, businesses will also be required to offer enhanced consumer protection, including offering ombudsman or arbitration to resolve disputes, protecting customer deposits and respecting consumers in their own home.
Baroness Crawley of Edgbaston, chair of the new Consumer Codes Approval Board, which is responsible for independently evaluating the codes of practice operated by trade bodies, said: “Industry is well placed to understand the demands and expectations of their customers, but those consumers need the added confidence that industry codes of practice have been verified as fit for purpose by an independent body – that’s where the Trading Standards Institute comes in.”
The new scheme includes a Consumer Advisory Panel, but also a permanent position for Citizens Advice on the Board. Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said: “We deal with over a million consumer problems each year and know how difficult it is for people to find a seller they can trust, the Approved Trader Scheme will help to combat this.”
Motor Codes is among the first trade bodies sponsoring the new code. It is joined by: British Association of Removers, British Healthcare Trades Association, Debt Managers Standards Association, Institute of Professional Will Writers, Renewable Energy
Assurance Ltd, Robert Bosch Ltd, The Carpet Foundation and Vehicle Builders Repairers Association Ltd.
At the Trading Standards Annual Conference today, receiving Motor Codes’ TSI certification, Chris Mason looked to a future of
clarity for car owners:
“Trading Standards and Citizens Advice add real weight to the code approval scheme and will bring true reassurance for consumers. The message is clear. If you want to find a garage you can trust, supported by a government-backed advice service, choose one from the Trading Standards database or at motorcodes.co.uk.”
