Latest case figures from free cross-border advice service the UK European Consumer Centre (UK ECC), part of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, show a marked increase in the recreation and culture sector, a category that includes electronic goods and ticket sales, many of which are purchased online. Complaints relating to transport, clothing and footwear were down however, a drop attributed to fewer overseas visitors coming to the UK and the availability of new independent dispute resolution processes.

Although the UKECC mainly deals with cases from UK consumers (more than 15,000 in 2018), it also gets involved in complaints from European ones.

The UK ECC’s annual report shows that 1,599 European consumers turned to the service for help in 2018, up from 1,459.

The UK ECC  is set to receive funding for at least a year after Brexit, but faces an uncertain future after that. 

Andy Allen, UKECC service director, said: “As the UK heads towards Brexit, it’s clear that European consumers are still in need of the help and advice of the UK ECC, just as UK consumers are. We are recognised as one of the most prolific centres on the European Consumer Centre Network.

“Our recent figures show the service provided to both European and UK consumers by this team is of paramount importance.

Without it, a significant number of Europeans would be left without a means to redress or guidance in their disputes with UK traders and with nobody to turn to.”

Every year European consumers find themselves in dispute with UK companies over problems with purchases such as timeshares and discount holiday clubs and the resale of both), transport (including air travel and car rental) and recreation and culture, including ‘sold-out ticket’ events.

For more details about UKECC: 01268 886690, www.ukecc.net  

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