Consumer Parliament coming to Derry 23 March

Residents in Derry City and Strabane District Council area will soon get to have their say on the consumer issues that concern them, thanks to The Consumer Council which is staging a ‘Consumer Parliament’, in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, at the Guildhall on Friday, 23 March.

Welcoming the Consumer Parliament to the City, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, encouraged residents to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity: “Whatever your age, wherever you live and whatever you do, I hope you will come along to this event and raise any consumer concerns you have directly with the people who can help you,” he said.

“Not only will you be able to have your voice heard, you will also be able to learn about your rights as a consumer, get tips to reduce your household bills, and get help with your enquiries and complaints.”

Sheila McClelland, Chair of The Consumer Council, expressed her appreciation of the support that Derry City and Strabane District Council had provided, including the use of the Guildhall: “We received extremely positive feedback from participants at our first Consumer Parliament in Belfast last year, so we are very excited to be able now to provide the same opportunity to consumers in Derry City and Strabane District Council,” she said.

“Northern Ireland may be small, but the issues consumers face can be very different depending not only on their situation but also where they live. For that reason, the Consumer Parliament will include a dedicated session on flooding as well as sessions on postal services, transport issues and home energy.

“We want to hear directly from residents about the issues they have and ensure they are provided with the necessary support.”

The Consumer Parliament will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm on Friday 23 March at the Guildhall. Registration will open at 9.00am.

A consumer clinic – to provide one-on-one support to residents – will run simultaneously throughout the day.

There will also be exhibition stands from a range of consumer organisations, utilities and service providers.

To register for the Consumer Parliament visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumerparliament or call free on 0800 121 6022.

Residents unable to attend can still have their say by completing a short survey available at www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumerparliament

Refreshments and lunch will be provided free of charge – register early as spaces will be limited.