Residents in County Durham are being made aware of new laws protecting them when buying goods, including digital content, as part of a national campaign.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives shoppers more protection and makes it clearer and easier for them to understand their rights and buy with confidence.
The act includes new legislation which, for the first time, gives people the right to have faulty digital content, such as online films and games, music downloads and e-books, repaired or replaced.
Durham County Council is raising awareness of the new rights as part of this year’s National Consumer Week, which took place 2nd – 6th November. As is often the case Newton News received this information too late for it to appear in our last issue.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “We want residents to make sure they know their rights, whether buying goods or services in person or online. Our Consumer Protection team works hard to safeguard people and it is important that they are aware of this important, extra protection. We would advise anyone with concerns about anything they have bought to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline in the first instance.”
The Consumer Rights Act 2015, which came into force on 1st October, covers:
• What should happen when goods are faulty
• What should happen when digital content is faulty
• How services should match up to what has been agreed
• Unfair terms in a contract
• What happens when a business acts in a way that is detrimental to consumers
• Written notice for routine inspections by enforcement agencies such as Trading Standards
• Greater flexibility for enforcement agencies to respond to breaches of consumer law
For more information or advice about the Consumer Rights Act 2015 call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06. To contact Durham County Council’s Consumer Protection team call 03000 261 016.