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Welcome to our November edition of CAPASP News. There's definitely a chill in the air now, so time for many to start thinking about the government's green homes grant to improve the energy efficiency of their property. In this issue we bring news of the scheme and how to avoid scams associated with it.
We also highlight the measures that our wonderful partner, Anglian Water, have in place to protect their customers from scams including the wider utility industry's Priority Services Register.
Happy reading!
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A new Green Homes Grant Scheme launched on 30th September to encourage home owners to invest money in improving the energy efficiency of their property. |
The government scheme provides a grant for up to two thirds of the cost of improvement works, with a list of eligible primary measures which, if adopted, then open the opportunity to also claim for works on the list of secondary measures. Only approved and checked traders can carry out the work requested to meet the criteria.
Whilst this is welcome news for many, there is concern for those who may not have done their research and who may be tempted by fraudsters contacting them by letter, phone, online or on the doorstep to say "I can get you the deal and insulate your home cheaply thanks to the government paying most of the bill".
There are steps that have to be followed to access the Government grant and we’re urging people to say no to cold callers or offers posted through your letterbox.
It is also advisable to not commit to start any work until you have been successfully issued with a voucher from the scheme.
To check if you're eligible to access the grant visit Simple Energy Advice or find full details about the grant scheme on the government website.
Bethanie Kennedy, Partnership Coordinator at Anglian Water, has a message about what they are doing to keep their customers safe and well and protected from scams:
"At Anglian Water, we're passionate about protecting our customers against scams and are proud partners of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership. We have our Priority Services Register which is here to help offer practical support to a wide range of people with different needs.
Signing up to the Priority Services Register can help you in many different ways, including helping to protect you and your loved ones against bogus callers. Remember:-
- Anyone who visits you and says they work for us will have an identity card, which they’ll be happy to show you
- They’ll never say they’re from the ‘water board’
- We can set up a password for you, which anyone visiting you from Anglian Water will know – so you can be sure that they really work for us
- To double-check, call us on 0800 145 145 and we’ll be able to describe the visitor and tell you a code number. A genuine caller from Anglian Water at the door will know this number – just ask them
- If you’re still not sure, simply shut the door and call us. If they really work for us, they’ll understand and be happy to wait while you check.
To find out more and register, visit anglianwater.co.uk/priority or call 0800 232 1951".
If you received this newsletter in printed, rather than electronic, format you can scan this QR code with your phone's camera to find out more.
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CAPASP are proud to be linking with the Stay Well This Winter programme, a network of partners who work across the health and social care system to mitigate the risks associated with cold weather to the health and well- being of our most vulnerable groups who live in cold homes due to fuel poverty.
We recognise that victims of financial abuse and fraud may struggle to afford to heat their homes as a result of the financial losses they have suffered. On the other hand, those unable to afford to pay their energy bills may be more tempted by the false promises of impending fortune made by scammers. Therefore we are delighted to link with the Stay Well This Winter programme to support our most vulnerable residents.
If you or anyone you know is at risk of, or already living in fuel poverty, please be aware the local Stay Well This Winter programme can help. The programme can help those affected to access the services, information and potentially even financial support to keep warm and well this winter, whilst reducing energy bills. Find out more here.
National Neighbourhood Watch is running a cybercrime campaign throughout November which aims to promote simple actions everyone can take to ensure they have secure passwords.
The goal is to engage people who know they haven't protected themselves enough in their online world to be motivated and understand how to take simple steps towards protecting themselves. The campaign also shows how Neighbourhood Watch can support people and their wider community in best practice password management.
Two age groups are receiving particular focus for key messages: those aged 50 or over and those in the 20-35 age group.
Over 50s: Research suggests that a significant proportion of over 50s feel at risk but they also feel overwhelmed or confused about cyber security advice and don’t take necessary precautions. The key messages for this group destigmatise the issue by showing that they are not alone – only 8% of people rate themselves as having excellent protection and understanding.
20 - 35 year olds: Information suggests they are well aware of risks but complacent around taking action due to inconvenience. The key messages for this cohort use shock-tactics to show how prevalent the problem is – 1 in 5 have been a victim of cybercrime – and give quick, easy fixes. For more information keep an eye out on the Neighbourhood Watch website where information will be posted w/c 9th November.
 Following the popularity and success of the previous series of training sessions, the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) are once again offering online 'Can You Spot A Loan Shark?' training and 'Changing Lives - The Journey of a Loan Shark Victim and the Part you play in it'. These sessions will be taking place on Microsoft Teams with a limited number of spaces per session but if you would like more than ten people from your organisation to attend please contact Bryony McDonald .
Can You Spot A Loan Shark? training provides information and knowledge about illegal money lending, how it relates to your role and how ILMT can help those who have borrowed from illegal lenders.
It includes key things to look out for as a sign that a friend, client or colleague may be involved with a loan shark and will show the impact that illegal lenders have on victims and communities and how we can work together to stop people falling into the clutches of criminals. The training is offered on the following dates and times (click to register):
Changing Lives - The Journey of a Loan Shark Victim is an additional learning tool for those that already know the basic facts about loan sharks and have previously attended 'Can You Spot A Loan Shark?'. This session covers the implications and facts around reporting or not reporting for your business and staff; information about victim safety and Data Protection issues and how to help victims open up about their situation. These session are offered as follows:
Don't just throw scam mail in the bin/recycling - that won't stop the criminals sending more to you in future. Instead post it to FREEPOST SCAM MAIL where Royal Mail will look to cancel contracts they have with the senders.
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