The local politician has held a debate in Westminster Hall on the UK Green Deal, grilling the UK Government for answers on an energy efficiency scandal that has affected thousands across Scotland.
Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North has called for the UK Government to offer financial support to those that have been left in debt after signing up to the scheme.
Nearly 3,000 Scottish households are affected by the alleged mis-selling of energy efficiency products by Cambuslang-based company HELMS, leaving many with huge debts and some unable to sell their property. The company were fined £200,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office last year for making more than six million nuisance sales calls before crashing into liquidation.
Gavin, said: “The implementation of the UK Government’s so called ‘Green Deal’ has been disastrous, as is typical of the Tories. What started out as a good idea in theory has been an unmitigated disaster for thousands of families. The Tory Government’s negligence has allowed these vulnerable households to fall deeper into debt, placing rocketing energy bills on families that were already struggling to heat their homes; and all because of this UK Government scheme.
“When people see a UK Government logo on the paperwork they expect the highest level of financial security and an exceptional standard of accreditation. Yet firms like HELMS have used extremely questionable tactics to get a quick sale for installations that consumers often didn’t need.
“This scheme was supposed to provide energy efficient homes, but all it has done is place millions of pounds in the hands of few individuals who have inflicted severe stress and financial worry on people who just wanted some home improvements. The UK Government must provide answers as to how we got in this mess, but they must also act now to provide financial redress for the difficulties they have caused.”