Got A Complaint? Who You Gonna Call?
Saturday 14 February 2009
Ever been let down by a late bus, train, boat or plane? What about problems with electricity, gas, coal or water? Would you know where to go for help?
The Consumer Council helps consumers across Northern Ireland with enquiries and complaints about buses, trains, planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water. There’s never been a better time to make your voice heard because we’ve switched to a new freephone complaints number on 0800 121 6022.
How can the Consumer Council help?
Step 1 – Contact the company concerned first – they may be able to solve the problem.
Step 2 – If the company does not solve the problem or you are not happy with the response, contact the Consumer Council. We have the legal power to act on your behalf and investigate your complaint.
How can I make a complaint?
You can make your complaint by telephone, letter, e-mail or online.
Can someone else make a complaint for me?
Yes. If you want someone else to act on your behalf, just give us your permission in writing.
What happens when we investigate your complaint?
- We contact the company concerned with specific questions about your complaint and discuss how it can be resolved.
- We work on your behalf to achieve a fair and satisfactory response; and
- We keep you informed every step of the way.
Many Northern Ireland consumers don’t like to complain because they feel awkward or that it won’t make a difference. However, effective complaining can and does make a difference. Since April 2008 we have helped put more than £51,000 back in consumers’ pockets in the form of compensation and goodwill gestures[1].
For more information, contact the Consumer Council:
Telephone 0800 121 6022,
Write to FREEPOST BE 618, Belfast, BT4 1BR
E-mail complaints@consumercouncil.org.uk
Online www.consumercouncil.org.uk.
Some mobile phone operators may still charge to call an 0800 number but callers will be alerted to this and can hang up if they choose. Callers can still contact us on 028 9067 2488.
[1]Between 1 April 2008 and 2 February 2009, 2,206 consumers have contacted the Consumer Council with complaints and enquiries. In the same period we got more than £51,000 back in compensation for consumers.
