Consumer Law is an area of law that concentrates on protecting the consumer when they purchase goods and services.
Services
We have a great deal of experience in the area and we can:
- Advise you on your rights and how to enforce them
- Correspond with the other party
- Issue court proceedings
- Provide or arrange representation at court
Of Interest
Some important provisions are:
The Sales of Goods Act 1979: Creates a range of statutory rights when goods are purchased. For instance that an item purchased must be fit for purpose, of the right quality and that they meet the sales description.
The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations: Create statutory rights regarding items bought over the Internet or by telephone. For instance what the seller must disclose about goods, services, delivery or charges and generally, that goods may be rejected within seven working days of receipt.
The Consumer Credit Act: Creates statutory rights where a consumer enters a credit agreement. Although the strength of the Act has been reduced by recent case-law, it sets out the specific details that must be visible in the agreement including cancellation rights, the amount, the re-payment, credit charges and interest.
Consumer law as a whole is managed in the UK by the Office of Fair Trading. If, however, you need to make a complaint or have a problem then your case may well be handled at a local level. Here, for example, you might take up your case with your local trading standards office who can give you practical help and advice. This maybe your best first step if you think you have a problem.