Noticeboard LuCy CLArk / SHuTTErSTOCk your letters Dont expect any special deliveries on scams I read with interest the news bulletin, Royal Mail promises action on scams in TS Review (page 6, January 2017 edition). As someone who, in my previous local authority employment more than a decade ago, spent years trying to workin partnershipwith various Royal Mail sections, accompanied by reps from the former Office for Fair Trading, Department of Trade and Industry, theAdvertising Standards Authority and the police,I am astonished that still nothing appears to have changed. It is a failing on the part of the Minister for Business, Margot James, that the answer to the problem of the recently reported scandal of postal scams and Royal Mails allegedfailings is now for Royal Mail itself to develop an industry-wide response to tackle the problem. In other words, it can continue to go on looking out for itself. Royal Mail isnt the answer to the problem,it is part of it. So long as it is permitted to manhandle enforcement with so much obvious influence under the guise of the inviolabilityof mails, then nobody should expect any special deliveries on postal scams. Dave Quinton CTSI member got aN opINIoN? We want to hear it. Email tstoday@ tsi.org.uk to add your voice to the discussion. We reserve the right to edit letters. May deadline reminder for tobacco packaging change Retail businesses are reminded that from 21 May 2017, tobacco products must be sold in plain packaging. The new rules made under the European Tobacco Products Directives (TPD) came into effect on 20 May 2016 and give retailers until 20 May 2017 to sell old stock and ensure compliance. After this date, all tobacco products must be sold in standardised plain brown packaging, with health warnings and graphic images. Brand names are permitted, but must be in a set position, font and maximum size. Cigarettes can only be sold in packs of 20, and hand-rolling tobacco must be offered in packs of no less than 30g. Descriptions such as lite and natural will be prohibited. The guidance does not apply to cigarette papers and electronic cigarettes, and there are no standardised packaging requirements for herbal smoking products. A trip back in time The latest book by retired trading standards officer Robert Grice is packed full of poems, illustrations and historical information gleaned from the professional journal of inspectors of weights and measures The Monthly Review dating back to 1892. With 250 pictures and photographs, as well as anecdotes about weights and measures duties, Three Yards a Penny offers a glimpse of this unique profession, its impact upon society and its relevance to the commercial affairs of our society. Copies of the book may be ordered at CTSI Conference or obtained from the institute, at a cost of 12 plus 3 postage and packing. Alternatively, a donation may be made for each book (minimum 15). Please send cheques (made out to `Trading Standards Institute) to Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Accounts Section, 1 Sylvan Way, Sylvan Court, Southfields Business Park, Basildon, Essex SS15 6TH. Please include your name and address, and state how many copies you require. All proceeds will go to the College of Fellows, enabling the college to enhance its charitable activities for CTSI members. Ex-trading standards officer is new local government ombudsman Spring Budget date announced Former trading standards officer Michael King has been appointed as the new local government ombudsman (LGO). King worked in consumer protection for 15 years in a range of positions, including as chief trading standards officer for Northumberland County Council, and has been part of the ombudsman organisation since 2004, most recently as chief executive. The ombudsman is responsible for resolving complaints between members of the public and councils about the services they run, and helps local authorities to improve services. It also gives guidance on how to deal with complaints in a transparent and fair manner. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has revealed that the government plans to publish its Spring Budget on 8 March. As announced in the Autumn Statement 2016, it will be the last Budget to take place in the spring. All subsequent Budgets will be delivered in the autumn. Nominate a Hero! If you know a trading standards hero, then please let us know! The CTSI Hero Award is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate individuals or groups of people who make outstanding contributions towards consumer protection in our communities. Every year, we are inspired by the stories of nominees throughout the country whose bravery, altruism and hard work often fails to receive due recognition. Application forms are available from CTSIs website. Deadline for submissions isMonday 3 April. Nominations are considered by a panel of senior officers from CTSI. Award-winners will be notified at least one month ahead of the awards ceremony that takes place at the CTSI Conference in June.