Public Performance Reporting

Criminal Justice

We provide consumer, business and debt advice, and enforce legislation to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from illegal, unfair and deceptive trading practices.

In 2006/7, we handled 4,323 consumer complaints involving £5.2 million worth of goods and services, obtaining £1.4 million in refunds, exchanges and compensation for customers.

We dealt with 1,280 cases involving £12.9 million of debt that people couldn’t pay, a 200% increase in the past 2 years.

Carried out 381 criminal investigations and 1,351 enforcement visits leading to 18 reports to the Procurator Fiscal and over 130 warnings.

Received 1250 requests for advice from businesses, answered 1,000 enquiries ranging from self-help leaflets to advice on “best buys” and other product information.

Received recognition for anti-counterfeiting work and won a ‘Silver’ Spirits Producers Federation award.

Have the only trained advisors in South Ayrshire offering clients a legally protected Debt Payment Plan under the Government Debt Arrangement Scheme.

Are involved in animal health and licensing activities, and ensure the legality and accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment used by traders.

During 2006/7, were involved in initiatives including: ‘Fake Free Ayrshire’ - Action Against Fakes, Frauds and Scams; Crooked Workmen; No cold calling initiative at Residential Care Homes; Solvents, Tobacco and Fireworks Test Purchasing; Undisclosed Traders; Counterfeiters; Contaminated petrol; Excess baggage checks; Prevention and Inspection; Car Boot Project; Electric Blanket Testing; and more.