A Dundee-led scheme that aims to give consumers peace of mind when seeking tradesmen has joined Ombudsman Services to provide the public with extra security.
Scottish Trusted Traders has been running for more than 10 years and works by providing endorsements to traders who provide home improvements and repairs or vehicle repairs and servicing, such as plumbers, electricians, decorators and garages.
Led by Dundee City Council, the scheme has had very good feedback from both traders and residents, increasing consumer confidence, promoting good practice within local small business and helping to protect citizens from doorstep crime.
Chief Ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith said: “We are delighted that Scottish Trusted Traders has recognised the value and quality of our model of independent redress and are proud to be providing the dispute resolution service for them. When something goes wrong with a product you have purchased from a shop, you expect to get a quick refund or to be able to exchange it without having to jump through too many hoops in the process.
“The same applies for consumers when they use a service.
“They want to know that any issues with the work undertaken, materials used or the service provided will be resolved as quickly as possible.
“Ombudsman Services will be on hand to help should consumers encounter a problem with a tradesperson that has reached a stalemate.
“Our easy to use service provides free and impartial advice for complainants.”
City councillor Craig Melville, who is responsible for trading standards, said access to an independent ombudsman service was an “essential” part of the assured trader scheme, making it “even more open and accountable”.
“We take very seriously the level and quality of service it provides to local communities,” he said.