BULLETINS BELOW:
This page will be used for the latest information, normally copies of the previous months worth of Information Bulletins sent. Below them is also the most recent information from Trading Standards.
The latest bulletins received are linked below.
For the bulletins in blue below, click on the title to see the file.
A MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE SERVICE
Smoke
Alarms Save Lives - There's no excuse for not having one.
Once
a week - test the battery. Press the test button until the
alarm sounds.
Once a year - change the battery. (Unless it's a
ten year alarm)
Twice a year - Open the case & gently
vacuum the inside to remove dust from the
sensors. If it
doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.
After 10 years - It is
best to replace your alarm with a whole new unit.
INFORMATION FROM TRADING STANDARDS
How can I check whether a charity clothing collection is genuine?6 July 2011Some clothing collection bags or leaflets may give the impression of charity when in fact the collection is being carried out by a profit-making company. These misleading materials may not use the words 'registered charity' but instead use pictures or wording that imply that the appeal is charitable, for example 'sick children at Christmas' or 'families in need'.The Charity Commission has also been made aware of some cases where fraudsters have used the name, logo and charity registration number of a genuine charity to appeal for donations and keep the profits.Most collections for charities are genuine and provide them with an important source of income. To ensure that your donations reach those most in need, we have compiled the following tips:
- Most genuine collections will be raising funds for a specific individually named charity. You should be suspicious of any leaflet that does not state the name of the charity your donations will go to.
- If a collection is for a registered charity, legally this must be stated on any document advertising the collection of clothes or other property on behalf of the charity. Genuine leaflets will usually provide a charity registration number. Most door to door collections will leave their bags at least two days before they collect any donations, allowing you time to check the Charity Commission's online register of charities.
- If for whatever reason you are still unsure about whether a collection is genuine, for example if it looks unprofessionally produced, is badly worded or contains spelling mistakes, and if you still wish to donate then you should try contacting the charity to check that the collection is legitimate. If the leaflet only gives mobile phone contacts or none at all, it may be a sign that the organisation is not collecting on behalf of a legitimate charity.
- Some advertising leaflets will give the impression that they are from a charity but provide a company registration number. This number is not the same as charity registration number and may be a sign that the organisation is operating commercially for profit and is not charitable.
- If a clothing collection is being carried out for the benefit of a charity then it is required to have a public collection licence from the local authority. To check whether a collection is licensed and before making a donation you should contact the local authority for your area.
- If you are concerned that your donations may not reach a registered charity then you can always give directly to your local charity shop or at any official clothing collection point.
To complain about a misleading leaflet appealing for clothing donations please contact your local Trading Standards Service on 08454 04 05 06. If you receive a bogus leaflet that falsely uses the details of a genuine charity, the collection may be unlawful and you should report this to the police. In either case, please also notify the Charity Commission so that we can gather information on offenders and work with our partners to combat and raise awareness of fraud.Updated 28/08/2011