Cases against home maintenance traders have topped the list of actions in the first year of new consumer legislation, the OFT has revealed.

Since the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) were introduced on 26 May last year, 171 enforcement cases have been taken by Local Authority Trading Standards Services across the UK.

The majority of CPR cases have been used to take action against rogue traders in the home maintenance and improvement sector, such as those offering paving and tarmacing. This was followed by cases involving house construction, second hand motor vehicles, clothing, gardening products and services and mobile phone products or services.

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The complaints relating to home maintenance have included breaches of the CPRs including aggressive selling and misleading actions and omissions.

The legislation has also been used to tackle rogue traders in sectors as diverse as boat rentals, disability aids and pet food. The OFT has provided support and training to local authority TSS on cases including the first use of the CPRs which was undertaken by Wiltshire Trading Standards in July 2008.

Mike Haley OFT Director of Consumer Protection said: "The wide scope of cases shows how the new law has strengthened the UK's consumer protection regime. Effective consumer protection is crucial to maintaining consumer confidence especially during the economic downturn. This action by the OFT and Local Authority Trading Standards using the CPRs mean that times are also a lot tougher for rogue traders."

(CD/JM)