Ref: PR1942
Date: 02/10/08

Wakefield Council is warning citizens about unsolicited visits from people claiming to be working with the council and selling cavity wall and loft insulation.

The council is not working with the cold callers and although their offers may be legitimate, they do not have the council's backing.

Some door-to-door salespeople are saying they are working in conjunction with the Council and signing people up for 'free' insulation schemes, when they may not be fully eligible for them.

Citizens are advised that unless the salesperson can provide a letter of authentication stating that they have the express permission of the council to use its name, they are not working with the council.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Regeneration and Sustainable Communities said: "People need to check that uninvited callers selling insulation schemes, especially if they claim the Council's backing, are what they seem. If you are unsure about their claims, ask for evidence.

"We of course already have a service to help people with grants for loft and cavity wall insulation as well as heating improvements. With them, you can be sure that the scheme you're signing up for is right for you."

If you are in any doubt, call the Council's Home Energy Team on 0844 9 020 222 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. The team provides free, impartial and locally relevant advice about grants and discount schemes for insulation and heating improvements.

The schemes currently operating, and the companies the council works with, include:

• Warm Zone - Kirklees Energy Services, Miller Pattison Insulation and Warm Front - currently targeting Airedale, Agbrigg and Kinsley & Fitzwilliam
• Wakefield Energy Savers and Change Moorthorpe - Hestia Services, Mellor Insulation & M&T Heating
• Health Action Wakefield or HACKW - Kirklees Energy Services and Homecare (insulation)
• Affordable Energy Scheme - Climate Energy and Global Insulation 

ENDS