Complaints of profiteering
REPORTS of price hiking and profiteering during coronavirus are making up the most complaints currently being sent to Hounslow Council trading standards, according to a department chief.
Nishi Patel, the body’s regulatory manager, revealed what residents have reported for bad practice since the coronavirus lockdown took place.
Fifteen cases of pricing concerns were flagged in the last two weeks. And more than 500 inspections have been made by the council’s enforcement team over nonessential businesses being open.
Two pubs were also reported to have been letting regulars in from the back entrance, but were found closed when visited by licensing officers, Mr Patel said.
No fines or enforcement action has been taken so far by the council.
Mr Patel said: “We have given verbal warnings and on return inspections [businesses] were found to be closed.
“The Enforcement team will keep on them and if found to flout the law, we will not hesitate to issue a prohibition notice.
“Prices and profiteering we have been reporting to the Competition and Markets Authority for a central approach rather than individual conversations. This is because there is no legislation we enforce regarding price hiking.”
Last month concerns were flagged on social media as to what was being done to stop the move.
Jas Thandi asked the government on Twitter: “You have stated that you will do something about profiteering of hand sanitizer and masks, at this time of crisis.
“What are you going to do about shops doubling prices for goods. Just been to the butcher in Hounslow, prices have doubled overnight.”
And fellow Twitter user Ken Noble added: “Just been to shops in Hounslow Central, East & West. Some business owners are profiteering and shamelessly overcharging.”
Residents are encouraged to report to the council any nonessential businesses that remain open, but also any gatherings in public places that breach government guidelines.
In a borough newsletter on Monday, April 6, council bosses thanked people for adhering to social distancing over the sunny weekend.
However enforcement teams and police officers out on patrol also had to move on those who were ignoring the rules.
The message read: “They were happy to see that most people across the borough were behaving responsibly...
“Many thanks to every single one of you who did this. You are literally helping to save lives!
“However, there were several instances where some people ignored the notices that play grounds, outdoor gyms and sports courts were closed, entering the facilities to play in groups.
“This is extremely irresponsible and undermin-es the efforts made by so many to stop the spread of the virus, save lives and protect our NHS. It puts other people at risk.
“These people were moved on by police and enforcement officers, who are patrolling every day.”