The government’s Green Homes initiative must be backed up by strong consumer protections, Citizens Advice has warned.
The charity welcomed the plans which are set to be detailed in today’s summer economic update from the chancellor, but cautioned that it was vital consumers had a clear route to redress if anything goes wrong when retrofitting their homes.
Citizens Advice also urged the government to ensure that people living in rented accommodation could also benefit from the scheme as well as those who do not have internet access.
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Gillian Guy says: “These proposals look like good news for households. Retrofitting homes will help reduce people’s bills, keep homes warm and is essential to helping the UK achieve its net zero by 2050 target.
“Any scheme like this needs to be underpinned by comprehensive information, protection and support. People will need information to help them make the right decisions about changes to their homes.
“There needs to be strong consumer protections that give people the confidence to engage and ensure there is help when things go wrong.
“And there needs to be support in the form of funding and incentives that work for everyone.
“It is essential that no-one is left behind.
“Support must be made available for people in the private rented sector, the digitally excluded and anyone who struggles to engage with the energy market.”
