Forum Topic

Insulation harassment

The Aged Parent has been bothered 3 times today by two young ladies trying to get her to apply for a grant for insulation, and offering to check the attic. She told them that she had insulation put in not so long ago, but they kept coming back. They've just been back a 4th time while I've been in; I told them my Mother wasn't interested in letting anyone in without having had a letter beforehand. The girl replied that a letter has been sent out, but I replied that it hadn't been received. The girl said my Mother should apply for this insulation grant within the month. She was pushy, and I told her that I found this all very "harassy" (to coin a word) and my mother was elderly and, their intentions might be good but their method of going about this was intimidating. I told her we would wait to hear from the council but she said it wasn't the council but "The energy companies". Eventually she got the message and went. Anyone else been bothered by these pushy madams today or are we just unlucky?

Olga Sidoryk ● 5061d9 Comments

They even stop you in the street, just as you are entering or leaving your property.  Had one yesterday, who nearly took the front gate off it's hinges.The put off, that I use for cold callers is:Put it in writing and send it to me.  DON'T give your correct name.  I wonder how many Shirley Temples, there are out there?

Nicola Howard ● 5061d

All this "Consumer Choice" that was supposed to improve things; energy bills get ever higher and now one is bothered day and night (or evening, at least) by cold callers in person and on the telephone! Nationalise the lot of 'em, I say! #PinkoLefty

Olga Sidoryk ● 5061d

Olga is your mother opening her front door to these people?

Dee Cook ● 5060d

She did the first time and said No Thank You and they said they'd be back; they came back later and she ignored the doorbell, and then they came back a third time, were sent away and then one came back 5 minutes later for another try at which point I answered the door.  These companies are obviously employing young women so as not to appear intimidating, but these people are obviously being paid by results and so being really pushy. I mean, REALLY.

Olga Sidoryk ● 5060d

Olga, your mother should not be opening her front door to anyone she does not know.  Get a chain fitted for her and a spy hole.I never open my door to anyone I do not know.A shove on her door when ajar could put her on the floor.......

Dee Cook ● 5060d

It's not just your Mum. We've had two lots round. I just told them we were fully insulated!

Annie Trevaskis ● 5060d

She does have a chain, and a spy hole. These were young women and it was in the daytime, so she was not worried by them. She certainly didn't let them in to inspect the attic, as they requested. It was their persistence which was annoying; not taking no for an answer.

Olga Sidoryk ● 5060d

Are they from a named firm, or is it some kind of try on to gain access to someone's home?  Surely if it is from a firm a complaint should be made - if not, the police might be interested.

Nina Battleday ● 5060d

Most of the energy companies offer free insulation - it's a government backed scheme - and it's certainly free to people of pensionable age. (I have an elderly friend who had such an offer: I was massively suspicious on his behalf, but it all turned out well.)The pushy young women could be from one of the energy firms, or another company working on their behalf, but whichever it is, that doesn't excuse their manner. If anyone gets the name of the company concerned their methods should be reported as, at the best, it's bad PR for them (and at its worst, upsetting for those being harassed).

Lorna Dodd ● 5059d