IW Council Press Release - Trading Standards Warning

TRADING STANDARDS WARNING

The council's trading standards team are warning of a potential damp treatment and insulation scam on the Island.

This follows reports received that a trader is phoning residents for damp treatment and insulation, saying their “property has been flagged up as eligible” and that a salesman will then be sent shortly to “assess the property.”

As might be expected, the ‘trader’ finds damp and insulation issues at the property and pressurise the homeowner into signing a contract for a large sum of money.

If anyone has entered into a contract for damp and/or insulation, they can cancel within 14 days by writing to the company. You can telephone but we would strongly advise following the telephone call with a letter confirming the cancellation. The information is on the contract from the company.

If you have contacted and are worried, you can contact the Trading Standards Service on (01983) 823371.

Please be aware that the Council supports the Warm Up Wight Scheme as it meets their Code of Conduct.

More advice and support relating to insulation and keeping heating bills low can be obtained from the Footprint Trust

Do Not respond to calls such as this - calls that are “out of the blue” carry the hallmarks of a scam. Reputable traders would not pressurise customers in this way, or charge such extortionate fees.

If you feel that you may benefit from home insulation or suffer with damp,  make your own enquiries with reputable Island traders. Trading Standards will always recommend contacting a trader on the  Trader Approval Scheme.

Reporting a Scam

• For advice on scams call - Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 03454040506

• To report a scam call - Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

For more information on scams visit www.iwasp.org.uk

END

Age UK IW - Home Safe Service

Age UK IW

Our Home Safe Service can help you, or someone you care about, to stay safe and comfortable at home.

We can help with home safety adaptations advice and installation, installing grab rails, external rails, building steps, general household repairs and a number of other jobs around the house and garden.

Our reliable and trusted tradespeople have a wealth of experience and we will always do our best to help whatever your job requirements. We don’t charge for call-outs and we offer a very competitive hourly rate, plus you can have any mix of jobs in one visit.

For more information please contact our friendly team for a no-obligation chat on (01983) 525282

Storeroom 2010 - Newsletter March 2019

HM Revenue & Customs - SCAM

Please see the scam warning below, can you share with your customers and service users as appropriate.

“As it’s the end of the tax year please be aware that scammers are trying to cash in by pretending to be the HMRC offering us refunds on our tax bills. The emails contain images similar to that below and look very genuine, however it is very important to remember that the HMRC would NEVER contact you in this way. This is a SCAM and they are trying to get your banking details so that they can take money from your account.

If you receive one of these emails either delete it, report it to Action Fraud or forward it to the HMRC for their information”

For advice on scams call - Citizens Advice consumer Helpline: 03454 04 05 06

To report a scam call - Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

Many thanks for your continued support

Sally

Sally Ash | Fair Trading Officer | Planning and Regulatory Services |

Isle of Wight Council | Jubilee Stores| The Quay | Newport | Isle of Wight PO30 2EH

Tel: (01983) 823371 (x4684) |

Email: sally.ash@iow.gov.uk | Web: www.iwight.com

Check out our approved traders list at https://www.iwight.com/tas/

www.iwasp.org.uk

Working together to take action to help better protect people on the Isle of Wight from scams. Doorstep crime and fraud, and to support victims.

ReplyForward

Cowes Town Council Press Release - Free Parking Spaces for Patients travelling to the Mainland for Appointments

Northwood House offers 4 free parking spaces for mainland hospital patients Good news for patients travelling to the mainland for hospital appointments.

Northwood House Charitable Trust Co. Ltd. has agreed to donate four parking bays on a three month trial basis for use by people attending appointments at Southampton General Hospital or associated NHS Trusts, subject to proof of appointment. Any parking bay in the car park off Park Road, Cowes can be used, subject to displaying the appropriate parking permit.

Roseleen Cullen, Chair of Northwood House Charitable Trust Co. Ltd. commented "The Trustees of Northwood House are pleased to be able to offer free spaces in the car park for patients travelling to the mainland for treatment. We are happy to be working with Cowes Town Council on this free parking trial for Isle of Wight residents."

Councillor Paul Fuller, Mayor of Cowes Town Council commented “This is a shining example of partnership working between the Town Council and the Trust. The Town Council are enthusiastically supporting this initiative and hopeful that take up will be positively received. Our grateful thanks to Northwood House Trustees.”

 The scheme will be administered by Cowes Town Council and will run from 1 May 2019 until 31 July 2019. NHS Parking Scheme permits must be pre-booked by calling the Town Council’s office on 01983 209022 or visiting during office hours: 9.30am – 12Noon, Monday to Friday.

Permits will only be issued upon receipt of proof of appointment and must collected prior to the date of use from the Town Council’s Office, Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, PO31 8AZ.

Press release ends.

For Businesses keen to find Practical Environmentally Ways to Save Money

Discover a brand new, free to attend event, which is packed with ideas and opportunities to do just that. 

•Learn about: Food, Waste, Water, Utilities, Renewables, Build, Transport, Education, Digital & Technology
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Cecamm. East Cowes on  Thursday April 11th .

 What’s next to do? Register to come at Eventbrite.

IW Council Press Release - IW Council to continue to support Cross Solent Patient Transport

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING CROSS SOLENT PATIENT TRANSPORT

The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet has agreed to continue to grant £60,000 a year to fund patient transport for residents needing mainland medical treatment.

The money will now be granted directly to the local NHS trust to fund the scheme, instead of the council operating it in unison with the trust under the current very limited eligibility criteria.

The present 13-year-old scheme offers a non-means tested reimbursement of ferry costs only for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and renal dialysis.

However, a report to cabinet explained that medical advances meant requests are now received for travel claims relating to new-generation cancer treatments such as radioactive iodine treatment or immunotherapy, but these are not covered by the scheme.

The option agreed by councillors will give the money to the NHS to be used only to support patient transport, but with greater freedom to use it for more conditions and more treatments . This 'would enable the council to contribute financially to the development of a more equitable transport plan’, the report said.

The council recently undertook a consultation on funding the scheme it has paid for since 2006. It is the only local authority in the country to give money for patient transport in this way.

“The consultation told us loud and clear that this funding was very much needed and we have listened to patients’ views and taken this decision to continue with it,” said Cabinet member for adult social, public health and housing needs, Councillor Clare Mosdell.

“There are problems with the present scheme, not least that it’s not really meeting the needs of many who apply for it or need it because of its limited scope, and the fact it’s not means tested.

“However, we think it is right to offer continuing financial help, but with the new focus on the NHS using the money at its discretion to allow it to extend the criteria for those who need it.

“Although we have decided to grant the money, it was right that the council looked long and hard about funding this scheme when it's not its duty to do so.

“It must also be remembered there are also other forms of help for those who need to travel to the mainland for medical appointments including an existing NHS scheme and discounts from the ferry companies.”

END