Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
PRESS RELEASE
29 August 2001
For Use: Immediately
|
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 29 August 2001 For Use: Immediately | |
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Environmental Services Committee today heard details of new legislation brought in to give extra protection to consumers.
New powers are now available to Local Authorities to deal with traders who infringe consumer protection legislation. 'Stop Now Orders' can be applied by the courts against traders who in breaching certain consumer protection laws, infringe the interests of consumers.
The newly elected Chairman of Environmental Services, Cllr. Angus Nicolson, said: "These new powers are a measure of last resort but they do give extra protection to consumers. The Comhairle generally has an extremely good working relationship with local traders and we tend to adopt a partnership approach. There are no new obligations on business and the vast majority of traders will welcome these moves. The possibility of stiffer penalties should help to reduce the number of problem traders and that is good news for the consumer".
Failure to comply with a 'Stop Now Order' can lead to an unlimited fine or imprisonment.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Environmental Services Committee today elected
Cllr. Angus Nicolson as Chairman and Cllr. Ian Macleod as Vice-Chairman after
former Chairman Donald Nicholson indicated that he was standing down. The new
Chairman expressed his gratitude to Cllr. Nicholson for his work for the Committee
since 1994.
Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk