Mobility aid sales studied

19 November 2010 update at 12: 06 GMT Half a billion pounds worth of mobility aid are sold each year United Kingdom market mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, monte stairs and adjustable beds will be studied by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

He was invited by a large number of inquiries and complaints received by the direct consumer advice service.

The sale of this equipment, mainly for the elderly and the disabled, is estimated at is worth about half what a billion pounds per year.

The OFT has stated that he wanted to see if consumers are treated fairly.

"In 2009, nearly 5,000 calls were made [for direct consumption], an approximate increase 20% over the previous year," said the OFT.

"Concerns were also expressed in the media and elsewhere that sector does not well for consumers, leading to higher prices and less choice, as well as consumers to purchase products that respond to their needs."

Complete table

The decision to launch an investigation, which will get underway at the beginning of 2011, was greeted by watchdog Government, Consumer Focus.

"We are delighted that the OFT has decided to take action on this issue, after we presented our evidence early this year," said Prashant Vaze discussion of consumption.

"Our disability equipment market research shows that there are potentially big problems in this area."

Consumers said focus the market for these articles, which also includes the scooters and hoists, was complicated and regulated.

But she added that so far it was "difficult to obtain a complete picture of the scale to the detriment of consumers".

The OFT has stated that it would examine whether traders and customers are treated fairly, if they had enough information to make the right choices, and if the buyers had sufficient bargaining power to stimulate competition and lower prices.

"Good late"

Regulatory body said that it seeks the views of stakeholders before his investigation, so he could concentrate on the most important issues.

Charmaine Kemp, who runs a company called Wheelie good mobility, said the OFT decision was "far behind".

"Seniors are in a different position for the consumer in general because they do not have the ability to shop and are limited in the information that they can come together," says.

"There are some unscrupulous traders who abuse the naivety of some clients", she added.

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