Jamie Hepburn, business minister

Stakeholders from organisations including Advice Direct Scotland, Trading Standards, Citizens Advice Scotland and the Scottish Government will work together to generate improved services, greater value for money and better buying choices for shoppers.

The Consumer Network for Scotland will:

• Share information and agree coordinated actions
• Identity and prioritise areas to be tackled collectively
• Consider issues arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Speaking at the first meeting of the Consumer Network for Scotland, business minister Jamie Hepburn, said: “This new network brings together consumer advocacy groups to help build stronger partnerships, tackle consumer harm and identify potential risks.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many of us purchase goods and services making it more important than ever that we have the correct measures and support in place and hear directly from those representing consumers as we continue into recovery.

“The group will also have an important role to play in helping the Scottish Government in its work to build a fairer Scotland for consumers. Once Consumer Scotland is established the network will work closely with it in exchanging information and providing mutual support. Consumer Scotland will support and help the network evolve, ensuring this valuable source of intelligence and knowledge continues.”

Andrew Bartlett, CEO of Advice Direct Scotland, added: “In many ways, the public health crisis has shone a spotlight on issues faced by Scottish consumers up and down the country. Despite the vital work which has already been carried out, there are likely to be consumer issues which continue to emerge over the months and years ahead.

“The creation of the Consumer Network for Scotland, at this particularly challenging time, will help champion Scottish consumers and, working with the frontline service providers, provide people with the tools to confidently deal with their consumer rights.”