Home Insulation Help:
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In England: Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant , externalto improve a home. You could get free energy saving improvements made to your home if you’re on a low income, getting certain benefits or living in a certain postcode area.
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In Scotland: If you’re struggling to heat your home, you could be eligible for support from the Scottish Government funded Warmer Homes Scotland programme, external to help make your home warmer and cosier.
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In Wales: Get help with energy efficiency in your home from Nest, external. Nest is a Welsh Government scheme which provides free advice and home improvements to help you save energy and money.
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In Northern Ireland: NI Energy Advice, external offers independent and impartial energy advice to domestic householders in Northern Ireland – plus referrals to energy grants and other sources of help.
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The Affordable Warmth Scheme , externalaims to help with the effects of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency. It is run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).
Heat Pump Help:
Further Help:
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Check your mortgage lender: Many leading UK lenders are now offering “green mortgages” and attractive cashback schemes designed to incentivise eco-friendly home improvements, including the installation of heat pumps. These incentives can come in various forms, such as lower interest rates, direct cashback payments, or even interest-free additional borrowing options.
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You can also sign up to the Lightning Reach portal, external which provides access to over 2,500 support schemes. It is a free online service that helps you find charitable grants, funding from your local council, and help with your bills, all in one place.
Scam Warning!
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Scammers may cold-call, claiming to represent legitimate organisations, or using scare tactics about health risks related to existing insulation. They may falsely claim to be working with the government, your local council, official-sounding schemes, or endorse specific products. They may also pressurise homeowners to give up their cancellation rights.
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Be cautious of scare-tactics: Pressure selling is prohibited in the UK and the law aims to protect consumers from harassment, coercion, or undue influence to make them buy something they wouldn’t otherwise purchase. This includes situations where a trader’s behaviour significantly limits a consumer’s ability to make an informed decision.
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Falsely claiming a product is free or that a special offer will soon end, or falsely claiming that work is needed when it is not – for example, being told you have a damp loft, or that this product will improve the energy efficiency of your home – is also banned.
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Don’t be afraid to say no: If you’re not interested, tell the company you don’t want to be contacted further. To stop them from persistently calling you , politely but firmly state, “Please put me on your do-not-call list”. If the phone calls still persist, then you can report them to the Information Commissioner’s Office using its online reporting tool.
How to Report Scams:
If you think you are a victim of fraud or have been contacted by someone trying to scam you:
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Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online form.
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Send suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
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In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
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Always call 999 in an emergency, if you feel threatened or unsafe.
For general advice on managing unwanted calls and messages, visit the Ofcom website., external