For Consumers

The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues.

The Buy With Confidence scheme brings together a list of plumbers, builders, gardeners and many other types of business from all over the county.

Information on the current important issues affecting Dorset consumers.

We are responsible for a wide range of consumer protection legislation which helps to ensure fair trading.

Our health is affected by the food we eat. The enforcement responsibilities for food are split between the County Council's Trading Standards Service, who deal with labelling and composition, and Environmental Health who deal with food hygiene and contamination.

We provide information to help educate consumers and businesses about their rights, so that there are fewer misunderstandings. We can provide talks, displays and leaflets, and we regularly attend community events.

Trading Standards is responsible for enforcing safety regulations covering many different areas such as toys, bicycles, cosmetics, crash helmets, plugs and sockets, bunk beds and electrical goods.