For immediate release:

BLANTYRE MSP HOLDS FIRST CPG MEETING LOOKING AT ALLEGED MIS-SELLING OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY PRODUCTS BY HELMS

SNP MSP for Blantyre Clare Haughey is today (6th Feb) hosting her first Cross-Party Group meeting at the Scottish Parliament on Consumer Protection for Home Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

CPGs give MSPs, outside organisations, and members of the public the chance to meet and discuss a shared interest in a particular cause or subject. The idea for this group came about following ongoing issues with the UK Government’s Green Deal initiative that affected hundreds of energy efficiency consumers throughout Scotland, including in Hamilton and Blantyre.

Businesses such as Cambuslang-based HELMS sold householders solar panels on the promise of reduced energy bills and other benefits, but in fact bills have in some cases have tripled and saddled customers with years of debt.

The meeting is set to be attended by representatives of Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau, Scottish Power, SSE Hydro, University of Strathclyde Law Society, HELMS Action Group Central Scotland, Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme, among others.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“The UK Government’s Green Deal has left some of my constituents in dire financial straits after they were allegedly mis-sold energy efficiency products by HELMS.

“My Cross-Party Group’s first meeting will pull together a range of relevant stakeholders where we will discuss the issues surrounding the UK Government’s Green Deal. Our objectives are to seek redress for those affected, whilst hoping to help shape any future similar scheme launched by governments.

“I call on anyone with an interest in joining the group to get in touch with my office.”

ENDS

Notes:

Attached is a picture of Clare Haughey MSP outside the home of an affected constituent from Blantyre.

Date published: 6th February 2018