As the Government launches the Green Homes Grant today, Trading Standards South West begins a campaign to help protect consumers from the threat of fraud.
The Green Homes Grant is an initiative to get homeowners to invest money in improving the energy-efficiency of their property – while also giving the economy a much-needed boost.
Details indicate only approved and checked traders can carry out the work requested to meet the criteria.
Types of improvement that qualify for the grant are also split into primary and secondary measures. The voucher must be used to install at least one primary measure which can be insulation and/or low carbon heating
After at least one primary measure has been installed, the voucher can be used to help cover the cost of a list of secondary measures which contains things like double or triple glazing, draught-proofing and energy-efficient doors.
But officers from around the South West are concerned the door may be left open for illegitimate traders to exploit the trust of consumers who just want to access a voucher to get home improvements made cost-effectively.
Stuart Radnedge, Regional Coordinator for Trading Standards South West, said; “The Green Homes Grant is a great way to get traders, who will have been adversely affected by lockdown, out working on projects again. TSSW applauds this scheme.”
“But our concern is for those that may not have done their research. If someone turns up on your doorstep and says, ‘I can get you the deal and insulate your home cheaply thanks to the Government paying most of the bill’ who would turn that down?”
“There are steps that have to be followed to gain access to the Government grant and we’re urging people, not just in the South West but everywhere, to say no to cold callers or offers posted through your letterbox.”
To combat the threat, TSSW is launching a social media campaign today to reaffirm what steps the public should be taking.
As well as promoting best practice, they would also like the public to share the details of any offers from traders they receive.
You can find the messages, or contact TSSW, on both their social media channels www.facebook.com/TradStandSW or www.twitter.com/TradStandSW
You can check if you are eligible to access the grant by visiting https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/pages/green-homes-grant
Alternatively you can read all the details about the grant scheme at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme
You can also find other Scams or Doorstep Crime prevention advice from TSSW on this site at https://www.tssw.org.uk/Scamwise or https://www.tssw.org.uk/Doorstep_Crime