Local Liberal Democrats are encouraging local residents to take up the Green Deal to help save money. Many residents can get their homes insulated or get a new boiler or windows fitted without paying for the work up front.

The savings on their energy bill are used to pay off the cost of the works. For more information call 0300 123 1234, visit www.gov.uk/greendeal or contact Preston City Council.

Local Lib Dem campaigner, Mark Jewell said, “this is a great Liberal Democrat scheme which has come into being through the Lib Dems being in government. It will help the environment, help people make their homes warmer and help save money.”

Residents should be wary that :-

• Only authorised Green Deal installers, assessors and providers can use the Green Deal Quality Mark – anybody making false claims or misrepresentations about council or government approval should be reported to trading standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline
• There is an online register provided by the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body that can be accessed at www.gdorb.co.uk to check that a business is registered
• Always say no to cold callers knocking on your door. If you are interested in taking up the Green Deal, information can be found on the Green Deal website.

To find out what help is available, consumers can contact the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234. Any concerns can be reported to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 040506.