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In this issue:
Following the launch of the government’s Green Homes Grant, Trading Standards is urging residents to be on their guard from the threat of fraud.
The Green Homes Grant is an initiative to encourage homeowners to invest money in improving the energy-efficiency of their property – whilst also giving the economy a much-needed boost by getting traders who will have been adversely affected by lockdown, out working on projects again.
Only approved and checked traders can carry out the improvement works agreed through the grant scheme.
Improvements that qualify for the grant are split into primary and secondary measures.
The grant must be used to install at least one primary project – from cavity wall, loft and underfloor insulation to installing ground source or air heat pumps, as well as putting solar thermal panels on the roof.
The grant can then be used to help cover the cost of a range of secondary measures, which include double or triple glazing, draught-proofing, and energy efficient doors.
To be eligible, you must firstly live in England and have the work completed by the end of next March.
You can only use an installer accredited by simpleenergyadvice.org.uk – Tel 0800 444 202 – who are administering the scheme on behalf of the Government.
However, Coventry Trading Standards is raising awareness that this initiative may attract illegitimate or ‘rogue’ traders to exploit the trust of consumers accessing the grant scheme to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The concern is for those that may be vulnerable to rogue traders.
If someone turns up on your doorstep and says that they can get you the deal and insulate your home cheaply thanks to the government paying most of the bill, many people would assume this to be a legitimate offer.
There are specific steps that have to be followed to gain access to the government grant, and Trading Standards is urging residents across Coventry to say no to cold callers – on the telephone and on the doorstep, and not to follow up offers posted through your letterbox.
Check if you're eligible for the Green Homes Grant scheme and see what improvements can be made to your home.
Trading Standards service would also like the public to share the details of any offers from traders they receive, and report any incidents of cold calling or pressure selling to them through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133
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For more information on scams, visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/scams
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