Trading Standards Service Plan 2025 to 2026

Trading Standards has to face the challenge of operating effectively in light of an evolving regulatory landscape and growing demands for service. We have summarised some of the main challenges.

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill

In May 2024, the Government passed the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill, which is the most significant reform to competition and consumer protection laws for over 20 years. The Bill creates a number of new consumer protection rules and regimes, including a replacement for current unfair trading legislation and new rules around subscription traps, fake reviews, drip pricing and hidden fees. The new legislation will come into force in stages from April 2025.

Food Standards Delivery Model

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is working to review the current food standards delivery model and introduce a new model that addresses the perceived shortcomings in the current system and supports Local Authorities in effectively targeting their resources for food standards controls. Work is ongoing to update the current data management system, so that the new model can be fully incorporated into working practices for food standards inspections.

Training Needs and Qualification Framework

There is a lack of qualified Trading Standards Officers both regionally and nationally. This has resulted in the adoption of a 'grow your own' approach, with 3 apprentices now in post, 2 of whom are shared with Licensing. One of the apprentices is looking to complete animal feed and food standards qualification in November 2025. In addition, both current Enforcement Officers are aiming to complete the full professional qualification framework by November 2025. Whilst adding pressures in the short to medium term, this approach is seen as vital to help future-proof service provision.

Scams Awareness

An ageing population and the cost of living crisis means that there are more residents vulnerable to rogue traders and mass marketing scams. To raise awareness of these issues, the Service has signed a partnership agreement with the National Scams Team to identify and support victims in Stockton-on-Tees. Where appropriate, officers will also continue to introduce No Cold Calling Zones in suitable locations throughout the Borough.

Financial Investigations

The Service no longer has its own in-house Accredited Financial Investigator (AFI). However, in certain cases, it is important that action is taken to restrain and or confiscate the assets of offenders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. As a result, available Accredited Financial Investigators from other local authorities and regulatory partners will be commissioned to undertake such work, as and when it is needed.

Smoking and Vaping Legislation

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently working its way through Parliament and is expected to be in force by Autumn 2025. The Bill makes it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 1 January 2009 and also contains a raft of provisions to regulate how vaping products are manufactured, packaged, displayed and promoted.

The Government has also introduced a ban on the sale of single-use disposable vapes, coming into force on 1st June 2025. This new legislation is aimed at protecting the environment, given it is estimated that over 5 million disposable vapes are discarded every week, resulting in a large amount of single-use plastic ending up in landfills, along with valuable materials like lithium and copper.