Consumer affairs - trading standards privacy notice - Privacy notices

Why we collect information about you
  • to provide advice, guidance and resources to consumers and businesses on consumer protection
  • prevention and detection of unlawful activities, both civil and criminal
  • to conduct investigations and enquiries, particularly in relation to unsafe goods, fraud, illegal and unfair practices, counterfeiting and illicit goods, scams, doorstep crime and the sale of age restricted goods to children and young people
  • to provide support to victims of scams and fraud
  • when prosecuting offences
  • when carrying out inspections and visits to ensure compliance with consumer protection law
  • for licensing explosives, petroleum, sports ground safety and public weighbridges
  • when auditing high risk businesses such as farms, food and feed producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers
What type of information we may collect
  • name, date of birth, address and other contact information
  • trading details of businesses and sole traders
  • details of complainants, consumers, businesses, victims and witnesses
  • details of alleged and convicted criminal offences
  • images

We may also process some special category (sensitive) data such as:

  • racial or ethnic origin
  • religious or other beliefs
  • political affiliations
  • physical or mental health details
  • membership of a trade union
  • sex life or sexual orientation, including gender identification
Lawful bases for processing information about you
  • necessary to comply with a legal obligation
  • necessary to perform a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority
  • necessary for reasons of substantial public interest
How we may collect your information
  • provided to us directly by you
  • provided to us by members of the public
  • provided to us by police forces and other law enforcement and prosecuting authorities
  • provided to us by other professional organisations such as health, schools, and other local authorities
Who we may share your information with
  • police forces, other law enforcement and prosecuting authorities
  • other local authorities
  • central government, such as the Office for Product Safety and Standards
  • national trading standards
  • organisations and professionals involved in the provision of services, such as health and social care
  • voluntary and charitable organisations, such as Citizens Advice
  • ombudsman and regulatory authorities
  • professional advisors and consultants
How long we hold your information for

We are required to retain your information for as long as is necessary, after which it will be securely destroyed.

Further information on retention periods is available through our customer privacy notice.

Your information rights

You have several rights in relation to the information that the council holds about you. For information about your rights, when they might apply and how to make a request to exercise them, please see our customer privacy notice.

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