Mark Whitehead 09 March 2018

Cuts to trading standards putting older people at risk of fraud, warns charity

Cuts to trading standards services are leaving millions of older people at risk of fraud, according to Age UK.

The charity warns that budget reductions of up to 60% over the last seven years have undermined the ability of local authorities to tackle scams among older people.

It is calling on the Government to ensure that all local authorities have the resources needed to meet their safeguarding duties under the Care Act.

In a new report, Applying the Brakes, Age UK says trading standards services have a key role to play in tackling fraud yet severe budget cuts are damaging their ability to act.

It says a 56% reduction in the number of trading standards officers from 2009 to 2016 has left some services with just one qualified officer, forcing some to stop tackling doorstep crimes or providing consumer advice altogether.

Caroline Abrahams of Age UK said: 'However tough our laws are to prevent and combat fraud, they are pretty toothless if the staff just aren’t there to enforce them.

'Local trading standards officers have been cut back to the bone in many areas as councils struggle with big Government funding cuts, and the end result is that fraudsters have far more freedom to operate.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner