Trading standards officers have issued a warning to residents within Perth and Kinross and neighbouring council areas about claims being made by a landscaping business.
The firm, going by the name Target Landscapes, has been distributing leaflets in the area, in which it claims to be a member of the “better business partnership” and displays the scheme’s logo, although without the wording “Perth and Kinross” on it.
That claim has been disputed by the local authority, which has said Target Landscapes are not and never have been a member of the scheme.
The Better Business Partnership is intended to give consumers confidence they will be treated fairly and honestly if something goes wrong. The council has been made aware of identical incidents from Fife in 2008 and Aberdeenshire in 2010.
As a result, its trading standards team are now working to try to trace the business in order to take action.
Nothing is known about the standard of work carried out by this business, however, the council has been clear it is a serious offence to mislead customers by falsely claiming membership of any recognised scheme.
The council believes it is also possible the business will not comply with other legislation designed to protect consumers, for example by making customers who have entered into a contract with them aware in writing of their cancellation rights.
Failing to give the necessary written notice is itself a criminal offence and, in those circumstances, consumers would not necessarily be bound to pay for the work carried out.
The local authority’s community safety convener, Councillor Willie Robertson, said, “When traders perceive membership of the Better Business Partnership as a selling point, this is clearly a compliment to the scheme.”
Anyone considering having work done is also advised to ask friends and neighbours for recommendations and to check out reputable firms by choosing ones that are members of a recognised trade association.Traders who have a genuine interest in providing fair and honest service to customers can find out more about joining the Better Business Partnership by visiting the Perth and Kinross Council website at www.pkc.gov.uk/betterbusiness.