Trading Standards warning after rise in ‘ECO 4 grants’ cold-callers

Wrexham Trading Standards have issued a warning after an increase in the number of cold-caller reports relating to the ECO 4 grants.

In recent months the local authority has been working alongside Warm Wales to develop a partnership arrangement.

This agreement will see Warm Wales will manage all enquiries relating to ECO 4 funding applications on behalf of Wrexham Council.

However Wrexham Trading Standards have reported an increase in the number of cold-caller reports relating to the ECO 4 grants

These reports have generally related to individuals knocking on at properties and claim to be working on behalf of Wrexham Council, which is not the case.

Trading Standards is urging members of the public to be extremely cautious when dealing with any cold callers at your property.

Before rushing in to giving personal information take your time to consider what is going on and the legitimacy of the person on your doorstep.

If you have any doubts about the cold caller explain to them that you are not interested and contact the Police non-emergency number on 101 and report the incident.

If in doubt keep them out. Alternatively you can also report your concerns to Warm Wales on 01656 747 622

What is ECO 4 funding?

Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO 4) is an obligation on energy suppliers which helps home owners or private renters to cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by installing energy saving measures.

Private renters will need their landlord’s agreement for any work to be completed and meet the necessary eligibility criteria.

The scheme will continue until March 2026 and focuses on reducing fuel poverty in low income and vulnerable households living in fuel poverty and/or having physical or mental health issues made worse by living in cold conditions.

All of the contractors are Trustmark approved and thoroughly vetted by Warm Wales, a list will be published on the Warm Wales site along with all of the other relevant information on the Scheme.

If you think you may qualify for ECO Funding, you can apply via one of the approved contractors listed on the Warm Wales Website, based on what measure you would like to have installed.

The approved contractor will contact you to carry out a survey and identify a package of improvements suitable for your property.

Improvements could include:

• Loft insulation
• Pitched roof insulation
• Flat roof insulation
• Room in roof insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• External wall insulation
• Internal wall insulation
• Floor insulation (solid or suspended floors)
• Air source heat pumps
• Ground source heat pumps
• Gas boilers
• Electric boilers
• Biomass boilers
• Heating controls
• Electric storage heaters
• Solar PV panels
• High performance external doors
• Window glazing
• Draught proofing

To find out more check out the Warm Wales Website.

If you feel the need to get further advice regarding an incident that has occurred and you feel you have been misled please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08082231133 (English Speaking Help Line) or 08082231144 (Welsh Speaking Help Line)