Annual report celebrates the success of city council’s public protection teams

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's latest public health report highlights millions of pounds worth of unsafe goods seized, residents' money protected and ongoing work to improve public safety.

A new report has highlighted the successes achieved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in protecting the public and keeping them safe.

This year’s public health annual report – titled ‘Protecting the Public's Health in Stoke-on-Trent’ – focuses on the role of the Trading Standards, Consumer Protection and Environmental Health teams and the work they carry out every day.

This has led to a number of key successes, including:

• £2.4 million of unsafe goods seized and taken off the market
• £3.5 million of residents’ money protected by proactive work against scams and rogue traders
• £750,000 of illegal tobacco and vapes seized by Trading Standards

Other successes include the 1,200 food businesses are inspected each year to make sure they meet health and hygiene standards, this will include 300 newly registered food businesses this year.

The report highlights that these protective services have evolved from tackling the public health challenges of the city’s industrial past to addressing modern risks, including unsafe vapes and toys, air pollution and food safety issues.

Teams have also taken action to prevent harm before it happens, rather than responding after problems occur.

Alongside successes, the report mentions challenges, such as new forms of online trading, changing regulations and financial pressures on local government services.

Continued investment, partnership working and intelligence-led enforcement will be needed to meet these challenges.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for health integration and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“This year’s public health report shines a spotlight on the work our public protection teams do every day to keep residents healthy and safe that largely goes unseen.

“They have achieved some great successes this year and have carried out vital work to keep our communities safer and healthier. I welcome this report and also endorse the actions that we have set out to continue protecting all residents of Stoke-on-Trent.”

Residents are encouraged to play their part by reporting concerns - contact Trading Standards on 01782 238884 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards

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