Eastbourne Borough Council is not responsible for handling most consumer complaints. These are handled by East Sussex County Council Trading Standards.
Consumer Direct - 08454 04 05 06
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online service funded by the Office of Fair Trading.
It provides free advice and support to consumers. The website contains templates of complaint letters and fact sheets about your consumer rights.
East Sussex Trading Standards works in partnership with Consumer Direct to try to resolve consumer issues about goods or services. Consumer Direct deal with straightforward requests for advice whilst referring more complex cases to specialist staff for further consideration.
Wherever you live in the South East, contact Consumer Direct first for advice about your consumer problem. They will ask Trading Standards to intervene on your behalf if direct action is required.
How Consumer Direct Can Help You
For advice on consumer issues, Consumer Direct can:
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Provide pre-shopping advice before you buy goods or services
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Explain your consumer rights
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Advise you if you have a problem or disagreement with a trader
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Help you make a complaint about a trader that you believe has done something wrong (although Consumer Direct will not complain on your behalf)
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Provide general advice on how to avoid unscrupulous traders or "cowboys"
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Explain consumer-related issues such as warranties, buying on credit, internet shopping, refunds and replacements
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Provide advice on avoiding trading scams and rip-offs
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Direct you to a regulator or other organisation if it is better suited to assist you
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Refer your case to your local authority Trading Standards Services or similar agency if they are better suited to assist you
Contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website for advice.
East Sussex Trading Standards
In East Sussex the local Trading Standards service is provided by:
East Sussex County Council
Trading Standards Service
St Mary's House
52 St. Leonards Road
Eastbourne
BN21 3UU
Tel: 01323 418200
Fax: 01323 418227
The local trading standards service offers free advice to consumers and businesses in East Sussex as well as investigating offences and prosecuting offenders. You can find out more on their website.
