Community representatives learn about Small Claims Courts
REPRESENTATIVES from First Steps Women’s Centre, Dungannon have attended a free workshop to find out more about the Small Claims Court.
The Consumer Council held a free workshop in association with the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Services.
This was attended by over 50 advice workers and community representatives from across Northern Ireland.
Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council explains: “The Consumer Council has a responsibility to educate consumers on their rights and we were delighted to host this workshop on how and when to use the Small Claims Court.”
“The aim of the workshop was to provide local advice and community workers with information on the Small Claims Court, who in turn are now better equipped at dealing with enquiries about complaints in relation to faulty goods or poor service.”
“In addition to the above workshop we have also produced a leaflet entitled ‘Understanding the Small Claims Court’, which explains the steps consumers can take to resolve a complaint before considering making a claim through the Small Claims Court.”
“Court action should always be a last resort. If consumers have a complaint about faulty goods or services, they should make sure their complaint is valid and then complain to the business first to give them a chance to sort out the problem.”
“However we do realise that in some circumstances, consumers may have to use the Small Claims Court. The Small Claims Court is a low cost, quick and informal way of settling disputes for faulty goods or services up to a fixed amount of £3000¹ and consumers should not be put off from using it.”
For a free copy of the ‘Understanding the Small Claims Court’ leaflet contact the Consumer Council on 0800 121 6022 or download a copy at www.consumercouncil.org.uk/publications
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Weather for Dungannon
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
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