Coventy Trading Standards receives overpricing complaints against 29 shops

Complaints to Coventy’s Trading Standards have doubled since the coronavirus lockdown, with cases including price hikes on essential items.

Officers said they have received in excess of 150 complaints and a further 85 that require investigation since the country went into lockdown on March 23.

Among the allegations include:

29 different premises which are excessively overpricing items
Nine premises trading illegally when they should be closed
A lack of social distancing within premises
Employees being forced to go to work at non-essential businesses
Covid-19 related scams

Trading Standards said they have written to all licensed premises over what is expected of them, and are “preparing for more formal action if required”.

However, “no formal action has been taken to date”, bosses said.

And while some excessive price hikes are being reported in Coventry, Trading Standards are happy the majority of premises are compliant.

“Early responses from the businesses concerned indicate that they are generally not making an excessive markup and that they will be providing invoices to support this,” the Trading Standards team added.

But cabinet member for policing and enforcement Cllr Abdul Khan has issued a warning to any businesses that are flouting government instructions.

“Our message to residents and businesses is to stick to the national and local guidance; to continue to be vigilant where scams are concerned and to let Trading Standards know if they have concerns about businesses flouting the instructions set out,” Cllr Khan, who is deputy council leader, said.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone, and the vast majority of people are following the advice and guidance in order to protect the NHS and save lives, but our Trading Standards team will investigate complaints where necessary.”

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