Scotland's consumer protection network is facing a catastrophic resource crisis that leaves millions vulnerable to rogue traders and unsafe products, a Daily Mail investigation can reveal.
Shocking new figures show there are now fewer than 250 trading standards officers covering the entire country - a mere fraction of the workforce that once protected Scottish consumers. This skeletal team is responsible for safeguarding 5.4 million people across 32 local authority areas.
Enforcement in Freefall
The devastating decline has seen enforcement actions collapse dramatically. Prosecutions have plummeted by 75% since 2010, while formal cautions have virtually disappeared, dropping from 142 to just 3 in the same period.
Formal warnings have also seen a precipitous fall of 63%, creating what experts describe as a "lawless environment" where unscrupulous businesses can operate with near impunity.
A System on the Brink
The Scottish Grocers Federation has issued stark warnings about the real-world consequences of this enforcement vacuum. They report widespread problems with illicit vaping products and illegal tobacco flooding the market, with insufficient resources to combat the growing crisis.
One senior trading standards officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as "the worst I've seen in 30 years." They added: "We're firefighting constantly with no capacity for proactive work. Dangerous products and fraudulent practices are going completely unchecked."
National Scandal in the Making
The collapse of trading standards represents a national scandal that threatens public safety and undermines legitimate businesses. With officers stretched so thin, routine inspections have become virtually impossible in many areas.
Consumer advocacy groups are demanding urgent intervention from both the Scottish Government and local authorities. They warn that without immediate action to bolster resources, Scotland risks becoming a haven for rogue traders and unsafe goods.
The crisis highlights the hidden consequences of austerity measures and budget cuts that have eviscerated essential consumer protection services across the United Kingdom.
