TRADING standards officers are reminding residents that important new safeguards for when they enter into agreements with traders in their own homes or workplaces will be introduced next week.

Consumers will receive greater protection under the Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008, which come into force on Wednesday.

The main area where protection will be increased is that of home and garden maintenance. When the total cost exceeds £35, a consumer must receive written details of cancellation rights at the time the transaction is entered into and is able to cancel the contract within seven days.

Contracts relating to the supply of cosmetics, kitchen and cleaning products, books and leisure items are also covered by the new legislation.

In a typical scenario, a resident sends off a coupon seen in a newspaper for an item they were thinking of buying and the salesman comes to the door, ready to make his sales pitch.

When the consumer saw the advert, no price was mentioned and they have no idea of how much it will cost. The salesman does a good job and the resident agrees to buy.

If the consumer realises the price is beyond their means, the new legislation gives them the right, within seven days, to cancel the agreement.

In addition to that right to cancel, residents should have been left with documentation, including a simple form to fill out, that makes it clear they have that right. The same safeguards are in place for goods bought at a place of work, again over £35.

Ali Cornelius, manager of the advice and education team at Worcestershire County Council’s trading standards, said: “People should always carefully consider agreements that they enter into to have work done or to buy products.

“The new requirements give consumers important additional safeguards in that they can now cancel these types of contracts.”

Trading standards recommends householders visit the Trader Register website, www.worcestershire.gov.uk/traderregister or call 01905 765394 before deciding on a trader to do work for them, particularly when it comes to home improvements.

Consumers wanting further guidance on the matter or a complaint they have not received the cancellation rights notices, should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Businesses which think they might need advice on the new requirements can contact advisers at the trading standards service by calling 0845 330313 or e-mailing businesstss@worcestershire.gov.uk.