Top 10 consumer complaints

Second-hand cars created the biggest number of consumer complaints over 2007, for the second year running.

Government advice service Consumer Direct received over 15 million calls and emails, and logged almost 820,000 complaints.

Some 55,202 complaints were regarding second-hand cars – with a rise of 18 per cent in complaints against cars purchased from independent dealers.

Grievances about mobile phone service agreements rose 49 per cent last year, to 34,679 complaints, while 19,744 people complained about TVs.

Other major sources of complaints included mobile phone handsets (up nine per cent), building work (up two per cent), car repairs (up 11 per cent), and furniture (up four per cent).

Behind mobile phone agreements, the biggest increase in complaints was against internet service providers, up 43 per cent.

On average, complaining created savings of over £100 through repairs, refunds and replacements, and for one in ten people their complaints saved them over £1,000.

Michele Shambrook, operations manager for Consumer Direct, explained the rise in consumer complaints was in part due to “an increasing willingness among consumers to complain when they buy unsatisfactory goods or receive poor service”.

She added: “Consumers are finding that by arming themselves with information about their rights, they stand a better chance of resolving problems with shops and traders.”

Information and advice on consumer issues are available by calling 08454 040506 or at the website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. In Northern Ireland the ConsumerLine service exists on 08456 00 62 62.