Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards Service

21/08/2026

🎒 School uniform costs can soon add up.
If you're worried about the cost of uniforms or other back-to-school essentials, support may be available.
💡 Before borrowing:
✅ Check if your local council offers school uniform grants
✅ Speak to your child's school about available support
💰 Need to borrow? Choose a safe and legal lender, such as a Credit Union or CDFI.
⚠️ Worried about a lender or think you've borrowed from a loan shark?
📞 Call 0300 555 2222
🌐 stoploansharks.co.uk

21/08/2026

Following confirmation of a fifth case of bluetongue BTV-3 in Scotland, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been put in place in South West Scotland. Livestock keepers must follow the movement controls on animals and germinal products and apply for a licence where needed: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/bluetongue-movement-restrictions-for-animals/.

Check the bluetongue map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4867f4e1f680415898482df7aabb703d/page/Page and GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/latest-situation/ for more information.

If you keep cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants you must remain vigilant. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported to APHA. Please see what steps you must take to prevent and control the disease on GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/how-to-control-the-disease/

21/08/2026

Planning a water adventure this summer? Check your buoyancy aid hasn't been recalled before you set off.

Some buoyancy aids have been recalled as they may not provide the expected level of buoyancy, increasing the risk of drowning.

Check our product recalls: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?keywords=%22+buoyancy+aid%22

21/08/2026

With the warm weather continuing, Trading Standards teams across the UK are seeing a rise in doorstep scams, from cold callers offering to fix "loose roof tiles" to jet washing and driveway cleaning services that end in inflated, sky high bills.

It's a reminder of why choosing a Buy With Confidence approved trader matters. Our traders are vetted, monitored and committed to fair, honest service, so you can say yes to the work you need, and no to the pressure tactics.

A few reminders to help you stay safe:

✅ Never agree to work from an unsolicited cold caller
✅ Always get at least two written quotes before agreeing to anything
✅ Never pay the full amount upfront
✅ If you feel pressured or unsure, stop and seek advice before signing anything

Search our directory of approved traders before you book any work and sweep the risk of rogue traders out of the picture: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

21/08/2026

You may have seen recent news about an investigation into a Salmonella outbreak. This is potentially linked to imported eggs used mainly by food service businesses like restaurants and cafes, rather than eggs sold for home use.

If you're preparing eggs at home, our guidance has not changed. Eggs which are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically remain safe to eat. If you handle eggs or egg packaging, wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

Some people are more vulnerable to Salmonella than others. This includes young children, pregnant people, older people and people with underlying health conditions (e.g. cancer, diabetes, liver or kidney disease).

Thanks to improved safety controls in the UK egg industry, if you’re in one of these groups, you can safely eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs, or foods containing them, if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain assurance scheme.

When eating out, if you’re more vulnerable to Salmonella illness, make sure any eggs you eat are thoroughly cooked, as they may not be British Lion mark or Laid in Britain assured.

Find out more about Salmonella, including how to reduce the risk at home or when eating out: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/salmonella/salmonella

21/08/2026

🚨 Be aware of Winter Fuel Payment scams 🚨

We're seeing reports of fake Winter Fuel Payment messages circulating. These messages may ask you to click a link, confirm your details, or act urgently.

Remember: most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not ask for your bank details by text message.

✅ Don't click links in unexpected messages
✅ Never share personal or financial information
✅ Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 to help stop scams spreading

Not sure if a message is genuine? Check it safely using Ask Silver.

🔗 www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ask-silver

21/08/2026

6 places you should never store your passwords – unless you want to get hacked

Strong passwords help protect your online accounts, but saving them in the wrong location can make them much easier for criminals to access

18/08/2026

⚠️ The UK Government has issued a Severe Alert warning of the very high risk of wildfires across the UK.

Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators or fireworks.

Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.

Follow emergency services’ updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999.

17/08/2026

COLD CALLERS - Barrow in Furness.
We have been made aware of cold callers selling cleaning products in the Old Barrow and Hindpool area, which appear to be vastly over priced. SAY NO to uninvited cold callers/salesmen & keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours & relatives.
If you are visited please report to Trading Standards Consumer Service - 0808 223 1133 or Scams Action - 0808 250 5050