Green Deal Home Improvement Fund comes to an end in Carmarthenshire
The fund, set up in June to help households improve the energy efficiency of their homes, is no longer accepting new applications having reached its allocated budget.
It had been introduced by the UK Government as an alternative way for home owners and tenants to pay for energy improvements.
A number of reputable companies have helped Carmarthenshire residents improve their homes as part of the scheme.
But the council’s Trading Standards team wants to ensure rogue traders can’t cash in on the back of the scheme, by offering to carry out work, or assessments for work, that will never be funded.
“We want to make people aware that the fund is closed so that they can be prepared should any cold-callers try to con them in to signing up,” said Trading Standards officer Heidi Neil.
“If people are approached by such companies they should seek advice before agreeing to anything. They can either check the Department for Environment and Climate Change website for alternatives to the Green Deal, or contact us for advice.
“Similarly, we want to help make home owners and tenants more aware of their rights so they have the confidence to say no, and turn cold-callers away.”
Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for public protection, said: “We realise that some salespeople use hard tactics to try and get people to part with money, but our message is – always think twice, check that the company is registered, and get a second opinion from someone you trust.”
Need advice from Trading Standards? Call 01267 234567
The council’s Trading Standards team has linked up with Dyfed Powys Police to raise awareness about rogue traders. Follow @CarmsCouncil and@DyfedPowys on Twitter following #1StepAhead for tips and updates
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