About
Consumer Focus is a statutory body that champions the needs of consumers across England, Wales, and Scotland and, for postal services, Northern Ireland. We operate across the whole of the economy, persuading businesses and public services to put consumers at the heart of what they do. Our public services work seeks to improve provision by promoting high quality engagement in design and delivery of services. Consumer Focus has the power to take action where markets are failing consumers and to ensure a fair deal for all – especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged. We want to see consumers central to business and Government decision-making, and we work at the European level, too, to make sure consumers’ needs are heard in Brussels. We don’t just draw attention to problems – we use a strong evidence base and work with a range of organisations to champion creative solutions that improve consumers’ lives.
Find out more about Consumer Focus at www.consumerfocus.org.uk
There appears to be little improvement from the predecessor UKonline in terms of availability of Scottish content e.g. Neighbourhood Police Team and Local Crime Map. When one does a search it seems that search engine is poor, then one has to draw the conclusion that the content does not exist. Likewise a search for a Legal Advisor in the Falkirk area returned a list in Tyne and Weir. A search for Childcare Services in Falkirk brought be to Falkirk Dr, Bolton. To find legislation relevant to Scotland, you need to go to UK Government and Devolved Government. Why cannot they show Scottish Government, NI Assembly and Welsh Assembly. It seems that Directgov in the present state is biased toward information about England. For example, it is not clear which laws are reserved by the UK Government and which are those decided in Scotland, particularly since Devolvement in 1998. Some external or other government websites leave you wondering how to return to Directgov, until you spot the unclear Link to Directgov at foot of page. How about renaiming this Directgov Home and make it more prominent. Where possible separate registration procedures should be possible with a bit of thought. The necessity of forms being printed off and sent in the post is so archaic. It should be possible to use, for example an NI number as proof of identity in some instances to enable one to complete a form online. In conclusion, the intentions were good, the problem is the execution.