Consumer Direct is the government funded telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues. There are 11 regional offices across Great Britain and we have one here in the North East. Consumer Direct is a government backed telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by all 12 local authorities in the North East, and by the Office of Fair Trading.

We can advise you on a number of various topics regarding goods and services, how to make a complaint and can also give you pre-shopping advice, handy for when shopping for christmas presents!

We provide clear, practical, impartial advice to help you sort out problems and disagreements you may be having with suppliers of goods or services.

We can:

Provide pre-shopping advice before you by goods or services
Explain your consumer rights.
Advise you if you have a problem or disagreement with a trader.
Help you make a complaint about a trader that you believe has done something wrong (although we will not complain on your behalf)
Provide general advice on how to avoid unscrupulous traders or "cowboys"
Explain consumer related issues such as warranties, buying on credit, internet shopping, refunds and replacements.
Provide advice on avoiding trading scams and rip-offs.
Direct you to a regulator or other organisation if it is better to assist you.
Refer your case to your local authority Trading Standards Services or similar agency if they are better suited to assist you.

Consumer Direct provides first tier advice and information on a wide range of consumer problems, and has trained advisers who are friendly and ready to
offer tailored advice.

Consumer Direct will deal with each caller's problems or questions individually. We will provide an honest, impartial assessment of the situation and where possible, we will recommend a clear course of action to follow.

Service Hours:	Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.30pm, Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm
Cost:	Calls cost a maximum of 4 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles or other networks may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call. The advice and information given is free.
Restrictions:	The Service is restricted to: All Tees Valley, Darlington, Dormanstown, East Cleveland, Eston Corridor (Eston, Grangetown, Normanby, South bank, Nunthorpe, Teesville, Ormesby, Overfields), Guisborough, Hartlepool, Marske, Middlesbrough, New Marske, Redcar, Saltburn and Stockton.
	This is a government funded telephone and online service. There is no face to face contact, this service deals with emails and cases over the telephone. Access this service by calling 08454 04 05 06 or by visiting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/contact?action=complain where an advisor will contact you via email
Website:	http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Contact:	Centre Manager (Communications and Liaison Office (North East))
Tel:	08454 04 05 06

For further information regarding this service, please use the service contact details given above.

If you are unable to find the information or advice you need from this website, please phone the Families Information Service on 0800 073 8800 or use the Families' Guidecontact us form and we will try to assist you further.