Arlene Foster, enterprise, trade and investment minister, recently launched a consultation on future consumer representation arrangements in Northern Ireland. It questions the continued need for the Consumer Council.
I believe now more than ever Northern Ireland needs the Consumer Council, a steadfast and independent organisation with highly experienced staff dedicated to representing the needs of all NI consumers and businesses at local, regional, national and European levels.
We make the consumer voice heard in a range of ways, including:
• securing £300,000 for consumers last year.
• researching consumer disadvantage and lobbying for change
• representing consumers in price negotiations for electricity, gas, public transport and water.
• providing free price comparison and switching tools to help people get the best deal.
• informing and educating consumers of their rights.
• protecting the most vulnerable.
The future of the Consumer Council is in all our hands. We believe that we have demonstrated our value over the past 30 years. Now is the time to develop and strengthen consumer protections rather than undermine or dismantle them.
Please make your voice heard by completing the consultation response on the DETI website www.detini.gov.uk by 17 January 2014.