Trading Standards body warns council playing “dangerous game” by cutting team

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has condemned a decision by Enfield Council to cut its Trading Standards team, warning that it risks the borough becoming the first local authority in the UK with no functioning Trading Standards service.

The Institute urged the council to reconsider its plans, noting that the borough is "playing a very dangerous game" that could see the council face a judicial review.

Enfield decided to cut its trading standards service from four officers to one, leading its trading standards manager to resign in protest.

The CTSI claimed the decision would leave the 330,000 residents of the borough with no one responsible for enforcing laws aimed at protecting consumers and protecting standards for business practices.

Tendy Lindsay, Chair of CTSI and also a local resident of Enfield, said: "It is shocking and completely unacceptable that Enfield Council appears to not fully appreciate the consequences of what they are about to agree. It is six years ago next week since the appalling tragedy of Grenfell which could have been averted had necessary checks been undertaken. Local Trading Standards teams, including in Enfield, play a critical role in helping to tackle product safety issues, maintain food standards and combat illegal and unfair practices such as rogue traders, scams and doorstep crime."

Lindsay added: "If Enfield Council goes ahead with these cuts, then we are deeply concerned that this will send a signal to unscrupulous traders and criminal elements that the residents of Enfield are fair game for exploitation. We would urge the council to reconsider this measure in the interests of their local residents' safety and wellbeing."

CTSI also pointed out that the council's draft Council Plan (2023-26) made a commitment to have strong, safe and healthy communities, including tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Trading Standards would have played a key role in supporting this, including enforcing over 290 pieces of legislation, which protect consumers, and maintain standards for businesses," the institute said.

Responding to the criticism, an Enfield Council spokesperson said: "Enfield Council will maintain its Trading Standards team and will continue to protect residents and local businesses by ensuring a fair and safe trading environment.

"However, due to the ongoing budget challenge faced by all councils thanks to austerity, inflation and interest rate rises, we have had to make difficult structural changes to the team.

"We continue to urge the Government to give councils the funding they need to invest in vital, frontline services."

Adam Carey