Consumer Direct
Encyclopedia
Consumer Direct is a Government-funded call centre
providing basic consumer advice in the United Kingdom
. Information is also provided on their website (see below).
The intention is to make such basic advice available to everyone regardless of the area in which they live.
Previously, provision of consumer advice services varied, with some local Councils operating extensive services with several staff; and others relying on other local advice services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau
.
The service operates via a standardised national telephone number (currently 08454 04 05 06) and by e-mail. Simpler complaints are dealt with directly; more complex matters that may require direct intervention or indicate some criminality will be passed on to the relevant organisation (usually the relevant local Trading Standards
office) as a referral. The website also provides a number of advice sheets.
Trading Standards offices are notified of all complaints relating to a trader based in their area. It is expected that this will assist in identifying problem traders more quickly.
Data is transmitted on a secure network using a standardised xml format which assists automated uploading of the information into local databases and eventually into the proposed eTSN (electronic Trading Standards Network).
Call centre
A call centre or call center is a centralised office used for the purpose of receiving and transmitting a large volume of requests by telephone. A call centre is operated by a company to administer incoming product support or information inquiries from consumers. Outgoing calls for telemarketing,...
providing basic consumer advice in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Information is also provided on their website (see below).
The intention is to make such basic advice available to everyone regardless of the area in which they live.
Previously, provision of consumer advice services varied, with some local Councils operating extensive services with several staff; and others relying on other local advice services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau
A Citizens Advice Bureau is one of a network of independent charities throughout the UK that give free, confidential information and advice to help people with their money, legal, consumer and other problems....
.
The service operates via a standardised national telephone number (currently 08454 04 05 06) and by e-mail. Simpler complaints are dealt with directly; more complex matters that may require direct intervention or indicate some criminality will be passed on to the relevant organisation (usually the relevant local Trading Standards
Trading Standards
Trading Standards is the name given to local authority departments in the UK formerly known as Weights and Measures. These departments investigate commercial organisations that carry out trade in unethical ways or outside the scope of the law.-History:...
office) as a referral. The website also provides a number of advice sheets.
Trading Standards offices are notified of all complaints relating to a trader based in their area. It is expected that this will assist in identifying problem traders more quickly.
Data is transmitted on a secure network using a standardised xml format which assists automated uploading of the information into local databases and eventually into the proposed eTSN (electronic Trading Standards Network).