Slough Borough Council is informing residents about new cancellation rights when purchasing goods or services from doorstep traders and salespeople.
New legislation will discourage Slough doorstep traders from high pressure selling. Under current Doorstep Selling Regulations, a consumer can only cancel a contract if it comes from an unsolicited visit by a doorstep trader.
Consumers have no right to cancel if a contract comes as a result of a solicited visit.
From October 1, 2008, new legislation will change all this, and consumers will have the right to cancel a contract regardless of whether a trader’s visit was solicited or not. This will simplify the rights of consumers, businesses and trading standards officers.
The ‘Cancellation of contracts made in a consumer’s home or place of work etc., Regulations 2008’, aims to prevent unscrupulous traders from exploiting consumers by requiring them to:
* Inform consumers of a seven day cooling off period, whether the sales call was solicited or not.
* Supply cancellation rights in writing for any contracts made during solicited or unsolicited visits, for goods and services over £35 in value.
Failure to comply with the legislation could mean conviction and a fine of up to £5000.
Keith Eaglestone, trading standards manager for Slough Borough Council, said: "Traders such as builders, plumbers and carpenters who respond to a solicited approach by a consumer will be affected.
“We will work closely with local businesses to help them comply with the change in legislation."
Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, commissioner for Slough community and leisure, said: "This legislation is long overdue, and will safeguard consumers and legitimate business when it comes into force.
“The seven-day cooling off period is immensely important. It will discourage traders from high pressure selling and allow consumers the opportunity to shop around.”
Slough Borough Council
