Four people have been arrested by the Serious Fraud Office as part of the ECO4 scandal, specialist merchants warn of product shortages, and a tradesman wins £760,000
Four people have been arrested as part of an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office into the government’s now-defunct home insulation scheme.
Three firms — Warmfront, JJ Crump and South Coast Insulation Services — are alleged to have made bogus claims to exploit the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme.
The businesses in question are thought to have claimed at least £44 million of public money for jobs where little or no work was carried out.
The SFO is keen to hear from installers or assessors who worked with these firms.
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Over three quarters of specialist roofing merchants are having trouble securing products — that’s according to research from MRA Reports.
Nearly 80% of roofing merchants also warned of problematic lead times.
The loss of a couple of suppliers and a spike in demand for plain, cheaper concrete tiles are to blame for the current shortages.
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A South London tradesman said he was “blown away” after he won £760,000 on a radio competition.
Herbert Appleton said the win will give his family peace of mind during a difficult period.
The 50-year-old air con installer said he hoped to get a foot on the property ladder after his windfall.
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