Trading Standards Service Performance Report 2022 to 2023

Providing an Effective Service

customer satisfaction levels for the Trading Standards Advice Centre remained exceptionally high with a satisfaction index of 95.2%
the service has helped local consumers recover over £315,000 in redress following complaints about the supply of faulty, unsafe or misdescribed goods and services
on average, officers received over 77 hours of training over the year, with the vast majority of this being free or low-cost events hosted through the North East Trading Standards Association or the Chartered Trading Standards Institute
the service has embraced a 'grow your own' approach in order to develop and train qualified Trading Standards Officers. In September 2022, an apprentice was appointed to work towards completion of the Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship, the very first rung on the ladder to becoming a fully qualified TSO. In addition, both current Enforcement Officers have been registered on the Professional Qualifications Framework and both have now successfully completed Stage 1
the service has reviewed and redrafted the Council's Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy and also developed a Penalty Policy in relation to relevant Letting Agency legislation, including the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Both policies have been subject to internal scrutiny from regulatory partners and wider public consultation, and both received formal approval from Cabinet in July 2022