Research by Which? and Trading Standards Scotland has consistently shown that people in Scotland receive more nuisance calls than people elsewhere in the UK – with Which? showing that three of the top five cities receiving the highest number of nuisance calls were Scottish.
Mr Brown said: “I set up the commission last year to specifically tackle the growing problem of nuisance calls, which are disproportionately affecting Scotland.
“We’re already working with enforcement agencies, telecoms providers, and the makers of call blocking technology to find practical solutions that will help people protect themselves, and with business, to change the behaviour that leads to illegal calls in the first place.”
He added: “However, more needs to be done. That is why I am calling on the UK Government to bring forward further powers to better protect consumers and punish offenders.
“Although the regulation of nuisance calls remains a reserved issue, I also recognise the vast majority of UK regulators, UK businesses and people support the Scottish Government’s desire for a system that better protects our citizens from this serious issue.
“The people of Scotland deserve to see action being taken which recognises and responds to the seriousness of the problem. That is why I will be bringing forward an action plan outlining the commission’s proposals for protecting consumers and reducing the impact of unwanted calls in the coming months.”
Call for stronger action on nuisance calls
14 March 2017
The UK Government should introduce tougher powers to prevent nuisance calls, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has said.
Mr Brown said directors who allow the practice should be fined to signal it will not be tolerated
“Simpler and clearer ways” should be provided for people to report nuisance calls, he said.
The call comes ahead of the final meeting of the Scottish Government’s Nuisance Calls Commission on Wednesday, which will examine the current regulatory and enforcement environment to identify any potential improvements.