Across the country Citizens Advice and Trading Standards teams have seen an increase in reported problems with goods and services. Perhaps as the economy gets tougher, businesses are more tempted to cut corners? Within our region, second hand cars are causing the most trouble for our clients, closely followed by unsatisfactory goods, cancelling contracts and problems with buying goods on the internet. If you know your rights, you can avoid some of these problems and deal with issues yourself. There’s plenty of help depending on the nature of your problem. Cumbria Trading Standards runs a ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme to help take the guesswork out of choosing a reliable firm or tradesman. Businesses undergo scrutiny before being accepted into the scheme, and if anything goes wrong Trading Standards offers a mediation service. The Cumbria list is still small, but it is hoped more businesses will join. You can check for local suppliers at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

In April Citizens Advice took over the responsibilities of Consumer Direct. We launched The Citizens Advice Consumer Service so that people anywhere in the country can get consumer advice by telephone or email without having to go to a bureau. The helpline can be reached on 08454 040506 or 0208 1850710, or email using the online form at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Self help information is available at www.adviceguide.org.uk.

If you prefer the personal touch, your local Citizens Advice Bureau is always here to help.

Free, confidential advice and help is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, benefits, employment, housing and any other problems.

You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person. Call 015395 33100 /015394 46464 or www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk