Government scheme attacked by independents

14th April | DIY | A Government initiative to help consumers who have suffered at the hands of burglars has been attacked by independents who say big chains are being favoured.

Burgled homeowners will be given free vouchers to spend on replacement goods – but they will only be valid at large DIY chains including B&Q and Focus.

Independents say the vouchers should be valid in their stores as well – and one retailer, Hoyland Common DIY, has vowed to accept the vouchers in its store despite not being able to get the money reimbursed.