Codes scheme now protects almost £135bn of consumer transactions

Posted 28/04/20

The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) reported significant increases in its membership and consumer spending this year. CCAS promote codes of practice for different industries which meet core criteria. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) administers the scheme which intends to improve UK business practices and create a better commercial environment for business and consumer alike.

In what was an excellent year for the scheme, business members increased to 68,809 from 52,003 in 2018, representing a 32% year-on-year membership growth. The most exciting news was the growth in consumer spending across codes businesses. It surged by a staggering £51.5bn, a 62% year-on-year increase with a total of almost £135bn of spending now protected.

In what is becoming an increasingly busy picture, CCAS codes made almost a quarter of a million contacts with consumers over the year including calls, emails, social media, website and postal mail. 

CTSI Chief Executive and Interim Chair of the CCAS Board, Leon Livermore, said: "I am thrilled that CCAS continues to go from strength to strength. The lightning growth of the scheme demonstrates the confidence that businesses have in it. The more the scheme grows, the more transactions are protected, and UK business and its relationship with consumers improves.

"Amid the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, which has seen a surge in scams and unscrupulous behaviour directed at consumers, it is good to know that our scheme is protecting more people and transactions than ever before during this vulnerable time. 

"I am proud of the work our codes sponsors do to improve their respective industries and that their commitments to sound practice and higher customer standards embodied by CCAS provides welcome reassurance to consumers.

"I look forward to welcoming continued strong growth in the scheme next year, as we look to revitalise UK business in the post-coronavirus landscape."

The full report may be found by clicking this link.

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors:

CTSI Press Office: [email protected], 01268 582240

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

CTSI is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the Trading Standards profession since 1881 nationally and internationally. We aim to raise the profile of the profession while working towards fairer, better informed and safer consumer and business communities.

CTSI's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services in local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk

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