Welcome to Age Concern Lancashire

Digital Switchover News

igital UK and Trading Standards North West are offering these ten top tips to viewers:

1. There’s no such thing as a digital aerial. Most existing aerials are fine for receiving digital TV, though five-to-ten per cent may need replacing for switchover if they’re in poor condition.
2. Nobody from Digital UK or the Switchover Help Scheme will come to your house unless you’ve arranged an appointment yourself. If you have arranged for work to be done, always make sure you ask for identification.
3. Don’t agree to have work done by an aerial installer who calls without an appointment and fails to show identification.
4. Use the test card at teletext p284 for guidance on whether you need a new aerial for switchover.
5. If you do need aerial work, look for a Registered Digital Installer carrying the ‘digital tick’ logo.
6. If you can’t find one, look for a member of the recognised trade bodies (CAI or IDSC).
7. Failing that, ask family and friends to recommend installers with a good track record, and get written quotations for the work from at least two.
8. Before work starts, agree the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates.
9. Don’t pay for work upfront.
10. If you suspect you have been ripped off, or that there is a rogue trader in your area, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

In early May Digital UK and Trading Standards North West will run a joint conference.  This will be a chance for representatives from North West local authorities, the police, crime prevention teams and doorstep crime experts to discuss the issues around consumer protection for digital switchover.

Jo Waters, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the North West, said: “We are determined to do all we can to protect consumers across the region in the lead up to switchover. This is a change that will affect every household and many businesses across the North West. There are always people who use clever and persuasive tactics to try to make a fast buck on the back of something new, like digital switchover, and we want people to be aware.”

Name from Trading Standards North West, said: “We want to protect vulnerable and elderly consumers and to make sure they are given the right advice and support whether it’s from retailers, service providers or installers.”

Susan Gillen, NW Regional Manager for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: “Switchover may sound complicated but it’s very straightforward if you are prepared. Organisations like Age Concern are on hand to make sure that older members of our community get the right help and advice and aren’t misled by unscrupulous traders. To find your nearest Age Concern please call freephone 0800 00 99 66.”