As part of a programme to raise awareness of consumer issues, members of the council met students at Le Rocquier, Victoria College, Hautlieu and Grainville to give advice as part of their personal, social and health education curriculum.
The council’s executive officer, Anne King, spoke to students on matters including credit ratings, basic contracts, pricing deals, consumer rights, budgeting and scams in an effort to ensure they are getting good service, a fair deal and understand budgeting and so that they are ‘savvy shoppers’ when they use the high street.
‘With the courtesy of their generous parents, carers or perhaps part-time work, many youngsters in Jersey have money to spend and make up a big chunk of our economy,’ said Mrs King.
‘Therefore, it is vital they know their consumer rights when heading into St Helier or when shopping online to purchase some big-ticket items, as well as smaller items’
In its annual report for 2017, which was this week lodged with the States, the Consumer Council also says that more than 600 Islanders attended 40 lunchtime talks it organised last year.
Issues covered included wills, long-term care, staying safe online, pensions, renewable energy, financial advice, pet insurance, lasting powers of attorney and information security.
Other ‘significant achievements’ of the council identified in the report include the drafting of a funerals price comparison paper, ‘re-energising’ the debate on regulating consumer credit and highlighting the importance of cooking, shopping and budgeting skills.
The council is also steering the Energy Forum to help deliver Pathway 2050, Jersey’s plan to reduce its carbon emissions in line with other jurisdictions, and was heavily involved in a review of the Legal Aid scheme, which provides legal advice for low income Islanders.
Carl Walker, who took over as the Consumer Council’s chairman earlier this year, said the report highlighted some of the important work his predecessor, Advocate Rose Colley, and Mrs King had carried out.
‘As we continue to reshape the council this summer we can look forward to building on these achievements even further,’ he said.
