Latest news with #ConsumerScotland
STV News
38 minutes ago
- Business
- STV News
Call for national action to protect Scots in green heating rollout
Urgent and co-ordinated national action is needed to protect consumers in Scotland as the country moves towards greener home heating, according to a new report. Consumer Scotland said on Tuesday that more needs to be done by governments, regulators, and industry to safeguard people from scams and unfair practices as millions of homes face major changes in how they are heated. The watchdog's latest investigation highlights a range of concerns in the low-carbon heating and insulation sector – including misleading marketing, rogue traders and high upfront costs. To meet legally binding climate targets, more than two million homes across Scotland will need to switch to low or zero-emissions heating by 2045. That includes technology such as heat pumps, electric heating systems, heat networks and upgraded insulation. But the report found current levels of consumer awareness and uptake are lagging behind. Key recommendations include: Stronger regulation and better-resourced enforcement to clamp down on rogue traders. Mandatory accreditation for all installers and traders in the sector. A simplified complaints and redress system for consumers. A review of financial support to help with upfront installation costs. Public awareness campaigns to improve understanding of green home heating. Improved information-sharing between industry bodies and regulators. Consumer Scotland chief executive Sam Ghibaldan said: 'The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of our time – and heating our homes differently is at the heart of it. 'We've seen some households have positive experiences, but too many are put off by confusing systems, high costs and concerns about scams or poor service. 'Our recommendations aim to make the journey simpler, safer and fairer for everyone.' Trading Standards Scotland welcomed the report, saying it highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards. Chief officer Fiona Richardson said: 'Scams and rogue traders are undermining trust in the sector. If people are to engage fully with this transition, they need confidence and protection. 'We're committed to working with our partners to make that happen.' Consumer Scotland is urging both the Scottish and UK governments to act swiftly to improve regulation, simplify the consumer journey, and ensure enforcement bodies are equipped to respond. The watchdog says success will depend on joint efforts, adding that the rewards include lower emissions, warmer homes, and reduced fuel poverty across Scotland. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowners warned over green energy scammers
Homeowners need stronger protections against rogue traders and scammers capitalising on green energy schemes, according to Scotland's consumer body. Consumer Scotland warned that more people were likely to be targeted as the country transitions to low or zero-emissions heating over the next two decades. It has called on both Scottish and UK governments to ensure stronger regulation of the industry including accreditation for traders and a streamlined complaints process. In a new report the consumer body highlighted scams involving spray foam insulation have already increased by 42% in 2023. Craig McClue, head of investigations for Consumer Scotland, said: "When we looked at this sector, in particular, we realised that Scotland has climate change targets to be net zero by 2045 and that is going to drive demand for low carbon heating technologies and insulation products. "We found that, historically, there have been a lot of scams and unfair trading, and we heard evidence from our enforcement partners about just how prevalent these problems are. "When you realise more than two million households are soon going to enter this sector, the risk is very real that consumers can face scams and unfair trading." He added: "We've heard strong evidence about particular egregious traders who have been targeting vulnerable consumers in Scotland. "They suggest a loft surveys and suggest they make immediate decisions to get insulation, which proves unsuitable for the home, creates damp, and leads to mould. "We then hear these same traders return under a new guise to take the spray foam insulation out. It is almost like a life-cycle scam." The Consumer Scotland report recommendations include better resources for enforcement bodies to tackle rogue trading and mandatory accreditation for all traders in the sector to increase consumer confidence. Sam Ghibaldan, chief executive of Consumer Scotland, added: "The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of modern times. "For many households, this currently means navigating a complex and unfamiliar sector often at significant cost. This journey must be made simpler, safer, and fairer. "Our recommendations will help ensure consumers are empowered, protected, and supported through every stage of the transition, from initial decisions to installation protections and action to resolve complaints." Fiona Richardson of Trading Standards Scotland added: "Scams, mis-selling and rogue trading continues to damage trust in the green home heating market. "If consumers are to play their part in the transition to net zero, they must be protected from unfair trading practices and given the necessary confidence to engage in the sector." A UK government spokesperson said: "Allegations of fraud are taken very seriously and for UK wide schemes there is a dedicated Ofgem team working on counter fraud and whistleblowing." A Scottish government spokesperson said it welcomed the report "which highlights the need for a change to clean heating as part of Scotland's commitment to achieving net zero". They added: "It is vital people feel assured that any work carried out to decarbonise their heating is done to a high standard and represents good value for money. "That's why we have been working with the UK government and Ofgem on the introduction of new consumer standards for heat network consumers – such as fair pricing and reliable supply – which will be introduced in January 2026." "I committed the cardinal sin," said David Adams, 87, a widower who lives alone in Glasgow. "Someone chapped my door and I let them in." In late 2023, a representative of a company called Smarter Insulation Ltd appeared at his front door asking to talk to him about spray foam insulation. He explained: "There was quite a lot going on about government grants for people. It seemed to be the thing to do, we were all getting very conscious of emissions, insulation and all the rest of it. "The chap went up into the loft and took a test. He said there was damp in the air and this spray foam insulation would help. "They had a good looking brochure and it all looked legit." He paid around £5,300 for the work, but a fortnight later he received a phone call from a company called the Roofing Advisory Service (RAS). In documents seen by BBC Scotland News, it warned him of "mis-selling of spray foam insulation by certain companies" and that his home was at risk from damp in the roof space and "potential issues with mortgageability and insurability in the future". In the end, he paid a further £2,750 to have insulation removed by a third company just a month later. It was only after he paid that Mr Adams contacted Trading Standards and Advice Direct Scotland, but he remains £8,000 out of pocket. He added: "You just think, 'I've been a sucker'… That's why I haven't taken any steps to get my money back. "I should've known better." BBC Scotland News spoke with another spray foam customer who paid more than £5,000 to FastFoam Limited, which has the same director as Smarter Insulation. He later paid another firm to remove the spray foam product several weeks later at a total cost of more than £8,000. There is an active proposal to strike off both FastFoam Limited and Smarter Insulation from the companies register. When contacted by BBC Scotland News, a spokesman for Smarter Insulation and Fastfoam blamed RAS as being rogue sellers. He said: "Both customers mentioned have been contacted by a fraudulent company that emerged after members of our sales team departed to work with RAS. "We have provided the details of numerous individuals and customers who have been contacted by RAS to Trading Standards' investigative team. "Smarter and FastFoam have now ceased trading. "I deeply regret that customers have had to endure such a poor experience while purchasing insulation." The BBC has been unable to reach RAS for comment. Trading Standards Scotland confirmed that RAS, both Smarter Insulation and FastFoam, and the company that removed Mr Adams' insulation are all currently being investigated.
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Homeowners warned over green energy scammers
Homeowners need stronger protections against rogue traders and scammers capitalising on green energy schemes, according to Scotland's consumer Scotland warned that more people were likely to be targeted as the country transitions to low or zero-emissions heating over the next two has called on both Scottish and UK governments to ensure stronger regulation of the industry including accreditation for traders and a streamlined complaints a new report the consumer body highlighted scams involving spray foam insulation have already increased by 42% in 2023. Craig McClue, head of investigations for Consumer Scotland, said: "When we looked at this sector, in particular, we realised that Scotland has climate change targets to be net zero by 2045 and that is going to drive demand for low carbon heating technologies and insulation products."We found that, historically, there have been a lot of scams and unfair trading, and we heard evidence from our enforcement partners about just how prevalent these problems are."When you realise more than two million households are soon going to enter this sector, the risk is very real that consumers can face scams and unfair trading."He added: "We've heard strong evidence about particular egregious traders who have been targeting vulnerable consumers in Scotland."They suggest a loft surveys and suggest they make immediate decisions to get insulation, which proves unsuitable for the home, creates damp, and leads to mould."We then hear these same traders return under a new guise to take the spray foam insulation out. It is almost like a life-cycle scam."The Consumer Scotland report recommendations include better resources for enforcement bodies to tackle rogue trading and mandatory accreditation for all traders in the sector to increase consumer Ghibaldan, chief executive of Consumer Scotland, added: "The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of modern times."For many households, this currently means navigating a complex and unfamiliar sector often at significant cost. This journey must be made simpler, safer, and fairer."Our recommendations will help ensure consumers are empowered, protected, and supported through every stage of the transition, from initial decisions to installation protections and action to resolve complaints." 'Unfair trading practices' Fiona Richardson of Trading Standards Scotland added: "Scams, mis-selling and rogue trading continues to damage trust in the green home heating market."If consumers are to play their part in the transition to net zero, they must be protected from unfair trading practices and given the necessary confidence to engage in the sector."A UK government spokesperson said: "Allegations of fraud are taken very seriously and for UK wide schemes there is a dedicated Ofgem team working on counter fraud and whistleblowing."A Scottish government spokesperson said it welcomed the report "which highlights the need for a change to clean heating as part of Scotland's commitment to achieving net zero".They added: "It is vital people feel assured that any work carried out to decarbonise their heating is done to a high standard and represents good value for money."That's why we have been working with the UK government and Ofgem on the introduction of new consumer standards for heat network consumers – such as fair pricing and reliable supply – which will be introduced in January 2026." 'I've been a sucker... I should've known better' "I committed the cardinal sin," said David Adams, 87, a widower who lives alone in Glasgow."Someone chapped my door and I let them in."In late 2023, a representative of a company called Smarter Insulation Ltd appeared at his front door asking to talk to him about spray foam explained: "There was quite a lot going on about government grants for people. It seemed to be the thing to do, we were all getting very conscious of emissions, insulation and all the rest of it."The chap went up into the loft and took a test. He said there was damp in the air and this spray foam insulation would help."They had a good looking brochure and it all looked legit."He paid around £5,300 for the work, but a fortnight later he received a phone call from a company called the Roofing Advisory Service (RAS).In documents seen by BBC Scotland News, it warned him of "mis-selling of spray foam insulation by certain companies" and that his home was at risk from damp in the roof space and "potential issues with mortgageability and insurability in the future".In the end, he paid a further £2,750 to have insulation removed by a third company just a month was only after he paid that Mr Adams contacted Trading Standards and Advice Direct Scotland, but he remains £8,000 out of added: "You just think, 'I've been a sucker'… That's why I haven't taken any steps to get my money back."I should've known better." BBC Scotland News spoke with another spray foam customer who paid more than £5,000 to FastFoam Limited, which has the same director as Smarter later paid another firm to remove the spray foam product several weeks later at a total cost of more than £8, is an active proposal to strike off both FastFoam Limited and Smarter Insulation from the companies contacted by BBC Scotland News, a spokesman for Smarter Insulation and Fastfoam blamed RAS as being rogue sellers. He said: "Both customers mentioned have been contacted by a fraudulent company that emerged after members of our sales team departed to work with RAS."We have provided the details of numerous individuals and customers who have been contacted by RAS to Trading Standards' investigative team."Smarter and FastFoam have now ceased trading."I deeply regret that customers have had to endure such a poor experience while purchasing insulation."The BBC has been unable to reach RAS for Standards Scotland confirmed that RAS, both Smarter Insulation and FastFoam, and the company that removed Mr Adams' insulation are all currently being investigated.
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Almost 400k households in arrears as energy debt rises in Scotland
An estimated 383,000 households in Scotland are facing energy debt or arrears. The Consumer Scotland Energy Tracker also showed that the proportion of consumers who said they were put on a prepayment meter due to their debts more than doubled in the past year, from 16% to 34%. The increase comes as Ofgem prepares to announce a new energy cap on Friday, which is predicted to fall. Consumer Scotland director of research and analysis David Eiser said: "Challenges remain acute for some groups, and there are ongoing legacies in terms of energy debt and anxiety for consumers. In the short term, this underlines the need for further energy bill support targeted at those consumers who need it most. 'Ofgem's proposals to provide relief to customers who accumulated energy debt during the crisis period are welcome. We also want the UK and Scottish governments to provide more targeted affordability support for consumers that need it the most as quickly as practical." Despite the increase in people experiencing debt, consumers are finding it easier to keep up with their energy bills, compared to during the peak of the cost of living crisis in 2022 and 2023. Ofgem is also working on a proposed Debt Relief Scheme to aid those struggling most with costs, which include those with disabilities, health conditions and households with children under five.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
More Scots struggling with energy bills as number of households in debt hits 400,000
A third of people said they could not heat their home to a comfortable level because of worries about the cost. Rising numbers of Scots are still struggling with energy bills as the number of households in debt has hit 400,000. It comes as bills are set to fall from this July and will continue to drop in the autumn and winter. The bill of a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will fall by £129 a year, a drop of nearly seven per cent. But the latest Consumer Scotland Energy Tracker found 15 per cent of respondents to a survey said they are in energy debt or arrears – the equivalent of 383,000 households. The overall number of households in debt is up from nine per cent last year. The survey, which was carried out in January and February 2025, also found the proportion of consumers who said they had been put on a prepayment meter due to debts had more than doubled in 12 months. A third of people said they could not heat their home to a comfortable level because of worries about the cost – with this level said to be similar to the previous year. And 64 per cent said they had had to cut back on spending in other areas to help afford energy bills – with this also similar to last year. The latest findings of the tracker, set up by Consumer Scotland to monitor public perceptions on energy costs, were released ahead of Friday's announcement of the energy price cap. It is expected regulator Ofgem will lower the cap, which sets a maximum price for energy bills on standard variable tariffs. Despite the increasing numbers of Scots in debt, the research indicates people are finding it easier to keep up with their energy bills than was the case during the peak of the cost-of-living crisis in 2022 and 2023. The latest survey found 16% of respondents – the equivalent to 393,000 households – said it is difficult to keep up with energy bills, down from 26% in 2024 and 35% in the winter of 2022 to 2023. Consumer Scotland director of research and analysis David Eiser said: 'Affordability of energy bills has improved since the peak of the cost-of-living crisis, but challenges remain acute for some groups, and there are ongoing legacies in terms of energy debt and anxiety for consumers.' He said this 'underlines the need for further energy bill support targeted at those consumers who need it most'. Mr Eiser said the Scottish and UK governments should 'provide more targeted affordability support for consumers that need it the most as quickly as practical'. He added: 'As well as reforms to affordability support, a number of broader changes are under way in the energy retail market. 'These include a growing number of tariffs that provide opportunities for consumers to reduce their bills by varying when or how they use energy.'
