About us
The Trading Standards service provides protection for the public in consumer matters by enforcing consumer law. It makes sure that traders do not get any unfair advantage by the way they do business.
It also helps businesses by telling them about the law and how it applies to them.
It helps consumers by providing information leaflets, press releases and talks to community groups.
The main duties are the routine inspection of trade premises and the investigations of complaints when the law appears to have been broken.
Officers also check new or repaired weighing or measuring equipment before it is brought in to use.
What we promise
Our response times are:
Simple telephone or personal enquiries - 1 working day
Simple written enquiries - 3 working days
Complex enquiries - 10 working days
We will acknowledge highly complex enquiries within three working days and respond (or provide an interim report) within 20 working days.
Can we deal with your complaint
If your complaint is covered by the criminal law we enforce, we will investigate and will take action as appropriate.
In order to do this, we need your help and assistance, particularly if your complaint results in a prosecution. If this does happen, you will receive our help and support at all stages.
What we cannot do
If your complaint falls outside the laws we enforce we are not able to act on your behalf.
Usually, we will not be able to help in the case of faulty goods or services but we may be able to refer your enquiry to our partners Consumer Direct.
We are committed to listening to the views of the community and would therefore welcome your comments on the services we provide.
If you need to make a complaint about our services or suggest ways we can improve, please tell us or contact Colin Macdonald, Trading Standards manager, email colin.macdonald@northtyneside.gov.uk
Any formal complaint about us will be investigated in accordance with our procedures and those laid down by the Council.