Hampshire County Council sent the following message: LOFT INSULATION GRANT OFFERS
Green Deal is a new government initiative that aims to encourage consumers to make their homes energy efficient. It lets you pay for improvements to your home through your energy bills. Only authorised Green Deal businesses can offer this. In an attempt to prevent mis-selling and potential scammers, all Green Deal Providers and Assessors must follow the Green Deal Code of Conduct which stipulates that they must respect your wishes if you do not wish to be cold-called at home. Genuine Green Deal providers won’t call at your home if you display a no cold calling’ door sticker* and householders should be wary of sellers who ignore the signs. Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has received complaints, where members of the public have been given misleading information by less scrupulous traders who cold-call. They may make false claims that they work for the local council, and high pressure sales techniques are used to frighten more vulnerable consumers into agreeing to contracts for goods or services that the do not necessarily need or want. By using scare tactics, the salesperson may claim the householder will be sued if they do not improve their home energy efficiency, or that they are breaking the law. Real Life Case Study
Mr M who is an older man living alone was cold-called by an insulation company. The trader told Mr M, that unless he had correct insulation in place, he would not be able to sell his home in the future. On this basis, Mr M agreed to have work carried out in his loft. Although Mr M was not charged for the work, he was concerned this was not a genuine trader. A follow up visit by Trading Standards Officers was carried out where Mr M was reassured. The trader has not contacted him since. To avoid rogue traders offering energy efficiency home services, do not deal with unsolicited callers who contact you at the door, by telephone, email or letter and seek advice from the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/Greendeal.
* Residents of Hampshire can request a ‘do not cold call’ door sticker by calling 01962 833620. For further help or advice please contact;
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06
Or online using the Online consumer complaint form:
https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=citacomplainform&to=flare.fromforms | 
