Consumer Action 2008

The things we buy in the shops, the services we use whether in a hospital or a school are central to our lives. This award is for campaigners who are fighting to get a fair deal for all.

Sponsored by Shelter

Winner

Andrew Wilson

Wales Fair Trade Forum

Andrew is campaigning for Wales Fair Trade Forum to make Wales the first ever fair trade country. He hopes to inspire people to buy fair trade products and highlight that it improves economic and social justice in the developing world. Andrew's aim is that over fifty per cent of towns and villages in Wales will eventually be awarded FAIRTRADE status and is keen to move the campaign to the next level.

Finalists

Paula Dean

Tax Credit Casualties

Paula began this campaign to support victims forced into debt as a result of overpayments made through the Working Tax Credit system. Paula believes that overpayments should be written off and a fairer more transparent system should be established. Tax Credit Casualties campaigns to persuade the Government to make legislative changes to make this possible. Paula hopes to gain funding and support from the government to provide training and advice for over two hundred people who have contacted her as a result of the debts they face.

Nick Mole

Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK)

Nick is a policy officer for the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) working on the Food Residues campaign aiming to make conditions for those working with food safer. Nick works with a wealth of scientific data to uncover harmful pesticides and campaigns to bring their use to an end. One of his objectives is to set up a network of farmers and promote the use of safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. The campaign aims to build on its research to persuade key policy makers to legislate more effectively.