Enfield Council is at risk of becoming the first UK local authority without a Trading Standards department after a decision to let go of three quarters of the team.
The council has decided to cut Trading Standards Services from four officers to one, a decision that prompted the team’s manager to resign in protest.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) warned that from autumn this year the council could be the only local authority without a Trading Standards department.
The standards body warned this would endanger the borough’s 330,000 residents and encourage criminals.
Tendy Lindsay, chair of CTSI, said: ‘It is shocking and completely unacceptable that Enfield Council appear to not fully appreciate the consequences of what they are about to agree. It is 6 years ago next week since the appalling tragedy of Grenfell which could have been averted had necessary checks been undertaken.
‘Local Trading Standards team, including in Enfield, play a critical role in helping to tackle product safety issues, maintain food standards and combat illegal and unfair practices such as rogue traders, scams and doorstep crime.
'If Enfield Council goes ahead with these cuts, then we are deeply concerned that this will send a signal to unscrupulous traders and criminal elements that the residents of Enfield are fair game for exploitation. We would urge the council to reconsider this measure in the interests of their local resident’s safety and wellbeing.’
An Enfield Council spokesperson said: 'Enfield Council will maintain its Trading Standards team and will continue to protect residents and local businesses by ensuring a fair and safe trading environment.
'However, due to the ongoing budget challenge faced by all councils thanks to austerity, inflation and interest rate rises, we have had to make difficult structural changes to the team.
'We continue to urge the Government to give councils the funding they need to invest in vital, frontline services.'
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