Doorstep selling and mobility aids - do you know your rights?

The Office of Fair Trading has launched a consumer awareness campaign following unfair sales practices being identified - especially for those buying mobility aids.  

Take this quick quiz to see if you know the facts: http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/scams/Quickquiz1.pdf 

Advice to consumers buying on the doorstep

The Office of Fair Trading has launched a doorstep selling consumer awareness campaign.  This has specific emphasis on mobility aids to empower consumers against unfair sales practices. They are running this campaign in partnership with consumer groups and charities. The campaign aims to provide consumers with practical tips and informs them of their rights including the following:

• Think twice before you buy and if you are made to feel under pressure to make a purchase, have the confidence to say no.
• Be wary of time-limited or exclusive offers that need to be signed on the spot - this can be a high pressure sales tactic.
• Double check the facts. Do you fully understand the costs and know whether it includes extras like installation, on-going serving charges or warranties?
• Always shop around to compare products and prices.
• Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion. 
• If you spend more than £35 with a trader on the doorstep, you usually have seven days in which to cancel (subject to certain conditions). If in doubt, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Why are the Office of Fair Trading worried about mobility aid selling?

The office of fair trading identified that the mobility aids sector may not be working well for consumers in early 2010.  Whilst the mobility aid is often a vital necessity for the consumer, the Office of Fair Trading found unfair sales practices targeted at elderly or vulberable consumers.  They had received more than 4000 complaints in respect of mobility aids sales to Consumer Direct for each of the last three years.

So, they completed a market study to review the following mobility aids: wheelchairs, scooters, stair lifts, bath aids, hoists, adjustable beds and specialist seating.

They found that a small minority of firms were engaging in unfiar sales practices, whether high pressure or misleading practices.  They  also identified that this type of experience was often under reported.

The Office of Fair Trading's report also identified other areas of concern including:

• Evidence that around half of consumers are not shopping around so could be paying too much for mobility aids. The Office of Fair Trading found there can be a wide disparity in the price of identical products, for example the price of one brand and model of scooter varied by £3,000. Around half of trader websites and advertising material that were checked did not quote any prices.
• The public sector's fragmented purchasing structure and some buying patterns can make it difficult to procure the best value wheelchairs.

Information about their findings can be found in the Office of Fair Trading press release here:
http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/105-11#.UTkVqFeuR8E

The Office of Fair Trading are continuing to review these issues.  But do you know how to identify market prices? 

If  you know exactly what it is that you require, then it is worth shopping around.  However, if you are sure what the issues are, but not necessarily the solution, then it is worth speaking to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to obtain further information.  This could avoid an expensive mistake.  It can also ensure that you have clear guidance as to what the options are for your equipment purchase - as well as a number of possible suppliers. 

What benefits / support is available?

Finding benefit information out can feel like a minefield - both for the individual with a disability and for a carer.  There is a lot of information out there - but knowing where to look can feel very complex and confusing.  This is a short introduction which aims to provide some information and signpost for further information or support.  

For overall information look up the GOV UK website:  www.gov.uk/browse/benefits  This provides current information - which is rapidly changing in today's world - so it is well worth while to revisit and review the information here periodically.
  
Failing this there is support available from the local Citizen's Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.


Benefit enquiry line (they can talk you through the range of benefits available and tell you where and how to apply) Freephone: 0800 882 200 Textphone: 0800 243 355 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm


Carer's Allowance
Telephone: 0845 608 4321 Textphone: 0845 604 5312
Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
  
The person you look after may be entitled to a range of benefits for things such as:
 
Disability living allowance: a tax free benefit paid at different rates depending on the disability - subject to assessment (This will change to a Personal Independence Payment - PIP for people aged 16 - 64 - from April 2013).

Attendance allowance: for those aged 65 plus, to help support personal care needs.  This has different rates within it, so if the circumstances change, it is worth reviewing this.
 
Pension Advice: For enquiries or to report a change in circumstances: Telephone: 08456 060 265 Textphone: 0800 731 7339 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
 
Pension credits: additional money to "top up" pensions to a minimum amount - the Pension Advice Line above can advise on this.

Income support: for those on low / no income
 
Council Tax support:  A reduction in the council tax bill
 
Housing Benefit - help with paying rent or the interest element of your mortgage.
 
Winter Fuel Helpline: Telephone: 0845 915 1515 Textphone: 0845 601 5613
For those born before 5 July 1951
 
Disabled Facilities Grant  - money to pay for adaptations to your home - further information on this can be found in a separate blog post.
 
NHS Low Income Scheme.  This provides support with

• prescription costs
• dental costs
• eye care costs
• healthcare travel costs
• wigs and fabric supports

To apply for the low income scheme, see: https://apps.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/LISWebAppStaticData/begin.do or

Phone 0300 330 1348 for the dental services help line
Phone 0300 330 1343 for the Low Income Scheme help line
Phone 0300 330 1341 for queries about medical exemption certificates.
Phone 0300 330 1341 for queries about Prescription Prepayment Certificates.
Phone 0300 330 1349 for the prescription services help line
Phone 0300 330 1347 for queries about tax credit certificates
Phone 0845 610 1112 to order a paper copy of the HC12, HC11 or HC5 forms
For all other queries call 0300 330 1343

The Blue Badge Scheme - to enable the holder to park in designated places allowing easier access to community services, shops etc.  The blue badge scheme relates to mobility, and there is specific criteria which one needs to meet to qualify.  Information regarding this can be obtained from:https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

Disabled Person's Bus Pass - subsidised or free travel. This is administered by local councils.  Some councils also offer a taxi scheme.  It is definitely worth discussing with the council the options that they have available.  

Disabled Person's Rail Card - gives a third off tickets: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
 
Motability Scheme - cars, scooters or powered wheelchairs: www.motability.co.uk/
 

Shopmobility Scheme - this is a scheme which lends manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public who have limited mobility to shop and to visit leisure and commercial facilities within the town, city or shopping centre. It is open to anyone, young or old, whether with a temporary or permanent disability.  Further information can be sourced via: http://www.shopmobilityuk.org/