DARLINGTON trading standards officers are investigating the alleged mis-selling of home energy efficiency assessments.

Householders are being urged to be on their guard when they receive cold calls or follow up visits from firms offering them a ‘Green Deal’ to improve their home energy efficiency.

The Green Deal is a Government energy-saving scheme aimed at supporting householders to be more energy efficient

Householders must first get an assessment on their home before they can use the Green Deal.

Trading Standards has received complaints from householders who said they had been misled into paying up to £299 for an assessment by firms who claimed that home improvements would be free under the scheme.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said “We’re becoming concerned about the number of allegations of firms mis-selling the Green Deal.

"I’d urge anyone contacted to be cautious and make sure they get details of the scheme in writing before they part with payment for an assessment.

"I would advise householders to check with Warm up North about the range of energy efficient home improvements on offer.”

If you require further help or if you wish to report a suspected fraudulent Green Deal salesperson, call Citizens Advice on 03454-040-506.

Warm up North can be contacted on 0800-294-8073 or by visiting warmupnorth.com