JOINED UP CONSUMER SERVICES Joined up consumer services is to come to the region to help people get in touch with quality advice services. Durham County Council's Consumer Services is one of six counties taking part in the new drive launched by the Northern Counties Trading Standards Group. The group is made up of the county councils of Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service and consumers living in those areas can receive first step advice from any of the services. "An agreement between the chief officers of the group should ensure that consumers are not confused about who to contact and are not passed from pillar to post," said Phillip Holman, Durham County Council's Head of consumer Services. "The agreement covers first step advice but doesn't include potential criminal offences, intervention and mediation or dealing with follow up calls. "We see this as a response to criticism in the Audit Commission's report 'Measure for Measure' which highlighted the problems consumers have in finding the right service and accessing advice." Councillor Don Ross, deputy leader of the County Council, said: "We are sure this initiative will benefit consumers living in the region. It's another example of how partnership working can help consumers." end Note to News Editors: For further information
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