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January 2023 January 2023

If, like many, you have debts and find you can't afford to reduce these after
paying your priority bills and essentials, seek advice as soon as possible. Don’t feel DORSET TRADING STANDARDS
you have to manage your situation alone. Our debt advice is regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority. Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service check and
approve businesses so you don’t have to.
We also hold free Income Maximisation advice sessions by appointment at
locations across Dorset. Specialist advisers are able to advise on a range of For more information visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or
money-related topics with the aim of helping people to budget and manage call 08454 040506.
finances more confidently. To report or seek advice about problems you have
experienced when dealing with a trader call 08454 040506.

Energy

The ongoing increase in energy costs has resulted in many people feeling anxious Find a trader and check you can trust them
and worried about paying energy bills. Citizens Advice have a team of energy
advisers who can help if you are struggling with energy bills or your supplier. We Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to turn to choose a reliable trader.
can offer advice and check to see if you are eligible for extra income or benefits. The following points can help you to select wisely and reduce the possibility of
We can also offer energy saving tips and advice. problems.
If you would like to speak to an energy adviser, call the Energy Line on 01929 Use a Trading Standards approved ‘Buy with Confidence’ trader. Visit
775500, leave a message and someone will return your call. Or email: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk to search for local traders around your
energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk postcode, or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline who can search for you
on 0808 223 1133. Ask friends and family to recommend traders too.

Crisis Support Bus Get three quotes in writing before starting work. Unlike an estimate this is a fixed
price for the job and should not change. Check that the price is inclusive, that it
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & details all work that you have requested and there is a timescale from start to
Purbeck is currently raising funds for a finish.
Crisis Support Bus which will provide
vulnerable residents with access to Make sure the trader provides
free advice and support. The cost of a genuine address and
living crisis has meant that many more landline phone number.
people are in need of advice with Rogue traders can hide
some unable to access current behind mobile phone
services due to rural isolation, numbers and false addresses.
restricted mobility, cost of fuel or Established traders too are
limited access to public transport. The mobile advice unit will deliver a service to less likely to disappear in the
rural areas in and around Purbeck & East Dorset, for those who cannot easily middle of a job.
access outreaches, local libraries or are digitally excluded. It is anticipated that If the trader is a member of a
the bus will be ready for service early 2023. trade association, they may
Donations to the Crisis Support Bus can be made on Aviva’s Community Fund have a code of practice for extra protection and a service to help resolve
page www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/cost-of-living-crisis-support-bus Aviva disputes. They can give you more details about the trader and protection offered.
will match fund the amount raised. Make sure the trader has insurance to cover any damage. If a guarantee will be
For more information about Citizens Advice services visit provided, then check whether this is insurance backed so you are protected
www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk or to speak to an adviser, call the Dorset even if the trader goes out of business.
Adviceline Freephone on 0800 144 8848, 10am-4pm weekdays. Agree not to pay for the work in advance and keep back some money until the

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