Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has led a member’s debate on the practice of cold calling for maintenance and repairs.

TSI Scotland has been running a campaign to highlight the number of people being ripped off by rogue traders, and Dave called on the Scottish Government to consider introducing legislation to make the practice illegal.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “Trading Standards Institute has labelled cold calling for maintenance and repairs one of the most disturbing and socially significant issues that is faced by Trading Standards Officers today.

“In order to protect consumers and honest businesses, we must ensure that the police and trading standards officers have the tools to tackle cold calling for property maintenance and repairs. The best way to achieve that is by bringing in legislation to outlaw the practice on the ground of community safety.

Last year between April and November consumers advice helpline dealt with 421 complaints over cold calling for maintenance and repairs, involving nearly £700,000 of consumer expenditure.

When someone appears at the door that is often ready to start the work immediately, it can be intimidating, and many cold callers target vulnerable groups, particularly older people, who might not feel confident in refusing rogue traders.

Following the debate, the Trading Standards Institute have signalled that they intend to take the agenda forward by inviting stakeholders and interested parties to discuss the next steps in their campaign to tackle cold calling for maintenance and repairs.

Adding to this, Dave said: “However, I would also like to sound a note of caution. Last week, the Accounts Commission published a report entitled, “Protecting consumers”, which highlighted just how stretched Scottish trading standards services are. The report highlights the fact that trading standards budgets have been cut disproportionately compared with those of other council departments.

“The benefit of legislation such as I am suggesting relies on effective enforcement, and we must ensure that we take the Accounts Commission’s recommendations on trading standards seriously so that we can safeguard consumers and honest businesses alike.”