BLANTYRE RESIDENTS ATTEND GREEN DEAL SURGERY

For immediate release:

BLANTYRE RESIDENTS ATTEND GREEN DEAL SURGERY

Around 50 locals attended an advice surgery held by Blantyre MSP Clare Haughey to help them begin the complaints process after they were allegedly mis-sold solar panels by the now bust company HELMS.

The business which was based in Cambuslang 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.

Ms Haughey has held a number of public meetings on the issue and set up a Cross-Party Group at the Scottish Parliament, which most recently met on the 3rd October, looking for redress for her constituents and to ensure lessons are learned for future Green Deal schemes. HELMS were accredited by the UK Government’s Green Deal scheme, so the Blantyre MSP is pushing the UK Government to take some ownership of the situation her constituents have found themselves in.

The advice surgery was also attended by Blantyre councillor, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani, and Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“My meeting on the 1st October was very well attended by Blantyre residents, and it was good to help many of them start the complaints process. I recently wrote to all affected constituents who previously contacted me on this issue and found that a substantial number hadn’t even started to complain.

“Myself and my office have been working relentlessly on this and constituents are now getting offers to discount their bills.

“I owe a huge thanks to Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau and Trading Standards Scotland who also helped out on the night, and offered invaluable to support to those in attendance.

“If you are a constituent and were unable to make it on Monday, then please contact my office on 0141 561 5131 or by email at clare.haughey.msp@parliament.scot.”

ENDS

Below is a picture of Clare Haughey MSP outside a Blantyre home fitted with solar panels by HELMS.