16th February 2011

DLF's response to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)'s formal launch of its study into mobility aid sales

The OFT confirmed today the scope of its study of mobility aids, following a consultation period. To read which areas the study will focus on, or for more information, visit (http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/17-11)

Chris Shaw, DLF’s Chief Executive, said: “As the leading national provider of impartial advice and information on mobility aids such as these, we welcome the OFT’s investigation into this market and hope that it will lead to an improved situation for consumers. Although many of the companies in this sector have excellent practices, unfortunately we still often hear from people who have received poor service or bought expensive items of equipment that are not suitable. Our websites ‘Living made easy’ (www.livingmadeasy.org.uk) and AskSARA ( (www.asksara.org.uk) offer valuable independent information on equipment and help consumers identify suppliers that have signed up to industry codes of conduct. We would encourage all those looking to buy mobility aids to use our advice and information to help them make informed decisions before purchasing.”

To contribute to the study email mobilityaids@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Notes for editors

About DLF

  • DLF is a national charity, celebrating its 40th anniversary
  • For help and information about equipment and gadgets to make daily life easier, visit DLF’s impartial advice website ‘Living made easy’™ www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
  • If you do not have internet access you can call the DLF helpline on 0845 130 9177 (10am-4pm Monday-Friday) and DLF’s experienced advisors will help you find the solution to your problem
  • If you would like to try out daily living equipment for yourself under the guidance of a qualified therapist, you can visit DLF's London Demonstration Centre with hundreds of items on display 

About the OFT enquiry

For more information about the enquiry visit www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2010/120-10

For further information

Contact: Hugh Dobie, Marketing Officer, DLF, Tel: 020 7432 8017, Email: hugh.dobie@dlf.org.uk