1st August 2012
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has published a report on the home insulation market, which makes a number of recommendations to the Government and others to improve consumer protection and encourage more competition and choice in the sector.
The OFT issued a call for evidence in April, triggered by the high level of consumer complaints about home insulation, and concerns that competition in the market may not be working well. It wanted to carry out a quick review ahead of the introduction of the Government's Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) policies, which could increase the take-up of energy efficiency measures.
During its evidence gathering, the OFT received complaints that some traders are not always installing the most suitable form of insulation, for example, by using inappropriate materials in houses that are susceptible to damp. It also found that people can find it difficult to obtain quick and effective redress when things go wrong.
In response to these findings, the OFT has recommended that the Government should ensure a single body has clear responsibility for longer-term monitoring of the quality of installations carried out under the ECO and Green Deal initiatives, and has also proposed changes to improve redress schemes.
Fuel Poverty and Residents: Identifying Solutions
20th August 2012
On 28th September 2012 Sustainable Homes and partners will present a one-day conference in London, investigating the research and action being taken to combat fuel poverty.
A particular focus will be action being taken by registered housing providers and their residents.
The conference will also be held in Manchester on 10th October 2012.
For further details and online booking click here.
