Environmental legislation 'will be made to protect the public'

Changes to the UK's environmental legislation will be made in a way that will protect the public, it has been said.

Today (December 9th 2010), energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne stated that when the government's Green Deal is implemented, consumers will be guarded from rogue traders.

The initiative, which is expected to start in 2012, is aimed at encouraging members of the public and businesses to make their properties more energy efficient in an attempt to reduce the country's impact on the environment.

As part of the environmental legislation, Mr Huhne claimed that measures will be taken to ensure that people do not get exploited.

He said: "Trust is important when it comes to having work done in our homes. Consumer protection will be built into the Green Deal from the word go."

These steps include requiring companies to have a quality mark to ensure that installers are accredited to make the changes to a property.

Audrey Gallacher, head of energy at Consumer Focus, welcomed the environmental legislation, but added that consumers will need "clearer incentives" if they are to adopt the changes.

Posted by Lauren Steadman