03.01.23 – KPM for DCC EMMA BARNETT, January Sales Warning

The deputy chief constable of Staffordshire Police, Emma Barnett, has been recognised in His Majesty the King’s New Year’s Honours List for 2023.
Emma will receive the King’s Policing Medal (KPM), one of the first of such medals issued since the King began his reign in September 2022.
The medal has been awarded for Emma’s distinguished service, spanning a policing career of 29 years, so far.

During her time in Staffordshire, Emma has successfully led the force through many challenging situations such as the national increase in the terror threat level to critical after terrorist attacks in 2017 and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alongside her considerable responsibilities in force, Emma has also balanced a demanding national portfolio as the lead for victims and witnesses for all forces in England and Wales.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Consumers looking to bag a bargain in the January sales are being urged to shop with care and brush up on their legal rights.

New Year sales are traditionally a busy time for retailers when goods are heavily discounted.  Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards service wants people to shop safely and stay alert to avoid falling victim to scams or being duped by fake websites or counterfeit goods.

Key consumer rights include a 30-day right to return faulty goods, the right to challenge unfair terms and conditions, and a right to redress where services are performed poorly.  An additional 14-day cooling-off period to return unwanted items applies to most goods purchased online.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “The January sales are a busy time for shopping and we simply want to remind people of their rights and to be aware of potential pitfalls when they’re handing over their money.

“Whether shopping in a physical shop or online, it’s important that people are aware of their consumer rights and laws. These are designed to protect shoppers and include things like the right to a refund if goods are faulty or if they don’t match their description.  If you do spot a bargain price, it’s always worth checking comparison websites to check if the price really is a bargain

Further consumer advice is available at www.citizensadvice.org.uk or by calling: 03454 04 05 06.

Concerns about the sale of counterfeit goods can be reported to the Staffordshire fight the fakes hotline on 01785 330356.