Agenda item

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

8.1       The Team Manager Trading Standards introduced the report which highlights the changing nature of the pressures on the Service including the new European Union (EU) Exit duties. The report also summarises the Team’s work on the response to the Covid pandemic which had a considerable impact on the Team.

8.2       The Committee thanked the Trading Standards Team for their work to protect all residents in East Sussex, including those who may be vulnerable to scams, and welcomed the take up of apprentices within the Team. The Lead Member for Economy commented on the exemplary work of the Team to protect all citizens within East Sussex, and the progress being made to protect those living on their own or who are elderly who have increasingly been targeted by scammers. The Team has also provided advice and guidance to local businesses on exports post EU exit, and will continue to innovate to meet the requirement to carry out checks at the port of Newhaven.

Work on Scams

8.3       The Committee discussed the Team’s work on scams and the impact that it has on victims financially and also on their mental health. The Committee asked what more can be done in this area and how much partnership working is undertaken. The Team Manager Trading Standards outlined that the Team work closely with Sussex Police and on intervention points to help residents. For example, the National Banking Protocol ensures a 999 incident response when large sums of money are withdrawn which can make the difference between preventing a scam succeeding and someone becoming a victim. The Team also works very closely with Borough and District councils and their Environmental Health teams. The close working relationships developed during Covid with the Police and Borough and District councils is being maintained with regular meetings with a lot of joint working on things like messaging and communications. There is a single point of access for services through the Trading Standards Team with a memorandum of understanding in place to exchange information with the Police.

8.4       It was noted that younger people are also being targeted by scams. Recent statistics show that people in the 18-30 age group are more likely to be scammed, but the amount lost per victim is likely to be larger for older people. Face to face work with people who fall victim to scams enables an assessment to be made of the financial and mental health impact on victims. Where appropriate a referral to Adult Social Care can be made for additional support.

8.5       It is thought younger people fall victim to scams due to the amount of on line scams and use of new technology. The Team is developing some training for schools to help young people be aware of the risk, but the amount of work in this area is limited by resources. The messaging around scams is being adjusted to include on line scams that young people may fall victim to. It was clarified that the Team does not have a direct input into national work on in app purchases and gaming. This work is undertaken by the Competition and Markets Authority who will investigate and make recommendations to protect users who may not be able to protect themselves.

8.6       The Committee RESOLVED to note the activities undertaken by Trading Standards and be aware of current workloads and commitments.