Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team is warning residents to be alert for doorstep scams offering ‘green deals’.
February saw the launch of the Government’s ‘Green Deal’ scheme. Under the scheme, consumers are able to pay for home improvements to make homes more energy efficient. The scheme works by householders having their properties assessed and then a provider carries out the actual work – which may include heating works, insulation, window improvements etc.
Trading Standards have been made aware of at least three cases in Caerphilly County Borough where residents have been visited by door-to-door salespeople claiming to be able to offer these ‘green deals’.
The message from Trading Standards is that consumers should not contract with anyone calling door-to-door – the green deal is only able to be delivered through government contracted assessors and providers.
These contractors are identified with unique numbers which have been allocated to them – the details of these can be found at www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures or by calling 0300 123 1234.
Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said: “We really are encouraging residents to thoroughly check the legitimacy of such service providers, and to never pay any money up front before having an opportunity to check out the business.”
To report an issue to Trading Standards in Caerphilly County Borough, call 01495 235 291.