Cumberland Trading Standards Service

25/03/2026

🏠 NEW RIGHTS FOR TENANTS 🏠

From 1 May 2026, the Renter's Rights Act 2025 will give tenants new rights and introduce new rules for private landlords.

More information can be found below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renting-out-your-property-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents/tenancy-agreements-written-information-for-your-tenant

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69bc04b8f7b1c24d8e23ce60/The_Renters__Rights_Act_Information_Sheet_2026.pdf

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

24/03/2026

It will take you 30 seconds to drop a used v**e at a recycling point.

When v**es get crushed in general waste or mixed recycling, the batteries can spark. That spark becomes a fire. Sometimes in the truck. Sometimes at the depot.

Follow the link to find your nearest v**e recycling point. It could be at a supermarket, v**e shop or council site.

https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/how-to-recycle-electronics/what-electronics-can-be-recycled/recycle-v**es/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/my-safety-using-and-disposing-of-v**es

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20/03/2026

DOORSTEP COLD CALLERS WARNING

We have received reports of cold callers operating in the Frizington and Keswick areas offering to fill potholes with left over product.

Cold callers often carry out poor quality works and can be overpriced.

Our advice is to:

*SAY NO! to cold callers
*ALWAYS obtain multiple quotes before agreeing to works
*NEVER agree to works offered by cold callers or to a later visit
*DON’T give out personal or financial information to cold callers

Cold callers can be reported on 101 or to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133 or www.adviceguide.org.uk

19/03/2026

COLD CALLING PHONE CALL ALERT

We have received reports of residents receiving unexpected phone calls offering to conduct Government Sponsored safety improvement works to their homes.

Such callers may also offer maintenance plans and request a home visit during the call.

Please do not agree to a home visit, improvement works or make payments over the phone to cold callers.

Our advice is to:

*SAY NO! to cold calling
*NEVER agree to works or give out financial/personal information to a cold caller

Cold calling can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

12/03/2026

LOOKING FOR A TRADER TO CARRY OUT WORK AT YOUR HOME?

Protect yourself from potential rogue traders:

✔ Never engage with cold callers at your door or those contacting you unexpectedly.
✔ Choose traders part of Trusted Trader schemes run by your Local Authority.
✔ Get written quotes from at least three independent sources.
✔ Verify online reviews, as they may not be genuine.

Always request a written contract detailing the work and costs to avoid hidden charges.

If you or someone you know has concerns about rogue traders, report them:

📞 Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133

11/03/2026

It’s not that people don’t care. It’s that no one really talks about it.

Used v**es chucked in general recycling or waste cause fires in bin lorries and recycling centres.

Most places now have v**e recycling drop-off points: supermarkets, v**e shops, council sites. Follow the link to find your nearest v**e recycling point.

Recycling yours could make it normal for everyone else.

https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/how-to-recycle-electronics/what-electronics-can-be-recycled/recycle-v**es/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/my-safety-using-and-disposing-of-v**es

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09/03/2026

POLICE URGE PUBLIC TO RAISE THREAT OF PHONE FRAUD WITH VULNERABLE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES 📱📞

Phone fraudsters continue to target vulnerable people - make sure your friends and relatives are aware of the risks.

THE KEY ADVICE:

Your bank, other agencies and the police would:

• NEVER ask you for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone.

• NEVER ask you to withdraw money and send it to them via someone calling at your house – such as a courier or taxi – or by bank transfer or by any other means.

• NEVER ask you to send your bank cards or any other personal property to them via courier, taxi or by any other means.

• If you have any doubts about the identity of the person that you are speaking with, put the phone down and attend the bank or police station in person, wherever possible, to discuss the call you have received, or call a trusted number for the bank or police using a different telephone than the one that you have been contacted on.

• It’s recommended you wait at least five minutes and make sure you can hear a dialing tone before you call, as there have been cases of fraudsters keeping the line open after a victim has hung up.

If you think you have been the victim of a fraud you can report this to police on 101.

Always use 999 in an emergency.

Further advice can be found below:

Concerned about phone fraud or 'voice phishing'? Wondering how to spot the signs? Ready to stay suspicious and protect yourself?"

02/03/2026

🚭 ILLEGAL TO***CO SEIZED IN CARLISLE 🚭

Last week, during a joint operation with Cumbria Police and North West Immigration this service conducted various enforcement visits to premises in Carlisle following complaints of illegal to***co sales.

With the help of a super detection dog, over 6,000 illegal ci******es were seized.

24/02/2026

⚠ WARNING FOR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS ⚠

We have been made aware that local businesses in the area have been contacted by a scam company from Stockport claiming to be selling advertising space for Response Magazine to help retired Cumbrian firefighters.

Please be mindful if you receive such a call and do not provide your financial details.

You can report scams by contacting Citizens Advice on: 0800 144 8848

Please see the link below for more information on how to report a scam:

If you've been scammed, there are organisations you should report the scam to. Find out how to report a scam and what information to gather.

18/02/2026

Happy ! Help us protect our pigs by keeping the fatal pig disease out of the UK. Remember, don’t bring and pork products into the UK. They can carry this devastating virus.
www.gov.uk/guidance/african-swine-fever

12/02/2026

What is love bombing? 💔
This is a manipulative tactic that criminals can use when you first match with them. They bombard you with loving messages and constant attention in the hope you start to trust them. Here are the red flags to look out for:
🚩 They overwhelm you with excessive attention and constant communication
🚩 They make grand promises early on, like taking you on holiday
🚩 Intense flattery, praise and compliments
They then invent reasons for needing money, like travel to see you or emergencies.
Always consider the possibility of a romance scam and to speak to someone you trust to get a second opinion.