Safetraders FAQs
Does South Tyneside Council approve these traders?
The council cannot approve or recommend any business. What it can do is provide a clear scheme to remove some of the pitfalls for customers using registered traders.
Why was the scheme developed?
'Cowboy' rogue traders, bogus officials and distraction burglars together with home improvement sector and repairs and servicing of domestic appliances are a major source of complaints to trading standards throughout the country often caused by a small number of 'cowboy traders', but most arise when honest businesses fail to check that their staff are doing their jobs properly or do not have adequate knowledge of their legal obligations. Our scheme is an attempt to reduce these problems and generally raise standards throughout South Tyneside.
Is the council liable if things go wrong?
No, membership commits traders to high standards of fair trading which are checked by us. However South Tyneside Council, its members and staff do not check all work carried out and are not liable for any problems connected with the goods or services provided by businesses approved under the scheme.
Who are the traders registered?
See our building Safetraders and motor trade Safetraders.
What happens if things go wrong?
Notify the trader straight away, in writing if necessary, and give them a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem. Contact us if you are unhappy with the outcome.
How can I join the scheme?
You can contact us and we will post an application pack to you.
Car sales, servicing and repairs are a major source of complaints to trading standards throughout the country. Some result from a small number of 'cowboy traders' but most arise when honest businesses fail to check that their staff are doing jobs correctly or are unaware of their legal obligations.
Our motor trade registration scheme is an attempt to reduce these problems and generally raise standards throughout South Tyneside.
