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Don't be caught
cold by Green Deal callers
LIVERPOOL residents are
being advised on how to deal with callers offering assessments for
the Green Deal scheme. The Green Deal loan lets householders
pay for improvements – such as insulation - to their property over
time by paying through electriCity bills.
Trading standards have had inquiries from a number of residents
about their rights in dealing with callers who have been offering
Green Deal assessments.
Councillor Tim Moore, cabinet member for transport and climate
change, said:- "Green Deal enables people to improve their
homes in an environmentally friendly way and the government hope
that many householders will see it is an affordable way of making
those improvements.
However, nobody should feel pressured into agreeing to an assessment
and we want to make sure householders are aware of their rights in
dealing with callers so that they can make informed decisions about
their homes.
Green deal issues may be complex and you should not rush into making
any decisions."
The following advice should be followed:-
► Always
ensure that you check IDs and credentials. There is an online
register that can be accessed
online to
check that they are registered.
►
Only authorised Green Deal
installers, assessors and providers can use the Green Deal Quality
Mark; anybody making false claims or misrepresentations about
Council or Government approval should be reported to Trading
Standards.
►
You should not be cold called if
you are in a no cold calling zone (there are zones in Woolton and
Childwall).
►
You should not be cold called if
you have a notice stating that you do not wish to be cold called.
►
Assessments should not be carried
out on the same day as the cold call visit, a further appointment
should be made UNLESS specifically requested by the householder.
► Assessments can be charged for. It is expected that the cost will be
around £120 but may be more. The cost must be made clear before the
assessment is agreed.
► You must be given written cancellation rights.
► Only certain works are eligible for Green Deal loans. You may be
required to pay for extra maintenance works or repairs before the
Green Deal energy works can begin. Make sure that you are clear what
is eligible and what is not, and any extra work is done by a
reputable trader.
► Once you have a Green Deal Advice report (consisting of an Energy
Performance Certificate and Occupancy Assessment report) you can
choose to take it to ANY Green Deal provider.
► The Energy Savings Advice Service offers free impartial advice about
Green Deal issues and complaints procedures.
► Vulnerable consumers can also get advice from the Citizens Advice
Consumer Service or Consumer Focus.
► As well as the Green Deal loan, householders may be able to get
financial help for energy-saving improvements to their home if they
are on certain benefits and own or privately rent their home.
► They may be eligible for all or part of the cost of loft or cavity
wall insulation and boiler repairs or replacements.
► Consumers can contact the Energy Saving Advice Service, to find out
what help they may be able to get, on:- 0300 123 1234 (Monday to
Friday, 9am to 8pm,Saturday, 10am to 2pm). |
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Doors shut on MEP
A North West England MEP has been
refused access to Israeli territory to pay an official visit to
report on conditions in the Palestinian City of Gaza.
Israeli authorities have said that a delegation from the European
Parliament will not be allowed through the military barriers that
keep 1.7 million people in isolation.
The decision is thought to be a retaliation for the recent
declaration by EU foreign ministers that no European financial
support will any more be given to Israeli projects associated with
the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
Liberal Democrat Chris Davies has paid 5 visits to Gaza over the
past decade to meet with the UN officials who provide humanitarian
relief. He said the denial of access to parliamentarians did not
help Israel's reputation.
He said:- "Gaza is just 90 minutes drive from Jerusalem but
has been turned into a giant prison. Governments across the world
have condemned Israel for applying collective punishment to its
people.
Hundreds of thousands of decent people in Gaza are living on
handouts and being denied hope for the future. It is not a situation
that can help Israel's long term security.
Under international law it is Israel that is responsible for the
well-being of the Palestinians in Gaza." The Israeli authorities claim that the refusal of access is intended
to avoid strengthening Hamas, but the MEP says that he has made
three crossings from the country since 2006. "Israel just
makes up the policy as it goes along," he claimed.
"I have no sympathy for the Hamas regime now running the Gaza
Strip but Israel should know that you can't make peace without
talking to your enemies."
Working in the transport sector-
your chance to find out more
ON Thursday 7 November, Merseytravel will host
'Careers That Move' a transport employment information event,
at Aintree Racecourse.
The free event is designed to promote employment opportunities,
career paths and training which are linked to employment in
passenger transport, logistics and the visitor economy and will
feature information and advice from key employers and training
providers from around the Liverpool City Region.
This is not a job fair but a great opportunity for those with an
interest in working in the area to gain a real understanding of a
growing sector and the roles that are available both now and in the
future.
The day will provide useful advice on entry to jobs, how to progress
and what skills are being demanded. Also on offer will be
interactive sessions including actual bus driving and simulators,
giving first-hand experience of what some jobs are like. There will
also be representatives from colleges and further education
organisations to explain the academic route into the sector.
Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel said:- "As
someone who has worked in transport for my entire career I am the
first to recommend it! There are so many diverse and interesting
jobs within the transport sector that it really is worth taking a
look at the wide range of opportunities out there and this event
will give people the information they need." 'Careers That Move'
will take place at Aintree Racecourse in
the Irish Suite from 10am to 4pm. There is no need to book and
entrance to the event is free. Free parking is also available on
site.
WITNESS APPEAL - BAR HUMBUG SOUTHPORT
MERSEYSIDE Police are
appealing for information following an assault in Southport on
Monday, 7 October 2013. Officers were called to Bar Humbug,
Scarisbrick Avenue at about 1am to a report that a 37 year old man
was being assaulted by another male. The assault took place inside
the bar close to the fire exit. The victim was taken to Southport
and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust where he received treatment to
significant facial injuries. Patrols attended and a 28 year old man
was arrested in connection with the assault soon after the incident.
Detectives are conducting an investigation into the full
circumstances of the incident, CCTV is being checked and witnesses
spoken with. Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen
this incident or who has any relevant information to contact Sefton
CID on:- 0151 777 3059 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555
111. |
