THE “shiny stamp” of UK Government accreditation has seen families’ energy bills treble in a solar panel mis-selling scam, an MP claims. Calling for ministers to aid victims of a massive fraud, the SNP’s Gavin Newlands said 3000 Scots had suffered at the hands of “dodgy” traders who were given official accreditation under the Green Deal. It was introduced by Westminster in 2013 to encourage energy efficiency in the UK’s homes and cut fuel poverty. But thousands have been left out of pocket, with many tied to expensive 25-year finance deals or left with properties that fail building regulations as a result of contracts with Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Systems (HELMS). Fined £200,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office for its sales tactics, it paid just a fraction of this before going into liquidation.
The National 24th Oct 2018 read more »