Following the launch of the government’s Green Homes Grant last week, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards service 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.

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 measure (which can include improved insulation and low carbon heating) before installing a secondary measure. 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.

However, Cumbria 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.

John Greenbank, Cumbria Trading Standards Manager, 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.

“Our 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 steps that have to be followed to gain access to the government grant, and we’re urging residents across Cumbria to say no to cold callers – on the telephone and on the doorstep, and not to follow up offers posted through your letterbox.”

Cllr Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Customers, said:

“Whilst the grant scheme is a positive step for many of our reputable local tradesmen and women and businesses, it does also present an opportunity for cold-callers to take advantage of people who want to improve the energy efficiency of their property.

“Please follow the advice from Cumbria Trading Standards and do not accept cold callers. You can apply for the grant scheme via the official channels and find verified local companies to carry out the works.”

To apply for the Green Grant Scheme, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme

As well as promoting best practice for consumers via social media channels, officers from Cumbria 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 or by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards