Hope for energy scandal victims
Victims of the HELMS green energy scandal are finally having their loan amounts reduced.
Almost 3000 Scottish households were left with crippling debt after signing up for solar panels with Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Ltd.
The firm, based in Cambuslang, near Glasgow, offered panel sand insulation as part of the Government’s Green Deal scheme.
But furious customers discovered they were tied into finance agreements for up to 25 years – and couldn’t sell their homes as a result.
John Allan was just one of many lumbered with debt and his electricity bills also spiralled, despite being told he would save money.
He and wife Sandra, of Springburn, Glasgow, were left paying £ 41.67 a month for 23 years after signing up in 2014.
But the retired joiner has just had his loan reduced by £2395 after contacting the Sunday Mail Judge.
The Green Deal Finance Company (GDFC), who have acquired the loans, are dealing with complaints on a case-by-case basis.
John, 73, said: “This is a huge help.
“It brings the outstanding balance of the loan down to £1887 which we will just pay off to draw a line under matters and move on.”
HELMS, run by Robert Ski l len, crashed into liquidation in March 2016.
Victims can contact GDFC via their website www.gdfc.co.uk