[b]Campaign for the Retention of Part P of the Building Regulations[/b]In December 2010, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) announced a review of the Building Regulations in England, including Part P, currently the only legal framework to cover electrical installation work done in the home. It became clear that there was a real and serious risk that it may be abolished because of the Government’s deregulation agenda.
Over the past year we have helped to raise awareness amongst decision-makers of the role that Part P has played in significantly reducing the risk of electrical fires and improving the quality of home electrical installations throughout the UK.
We helped to instigate and gave evidence to a DCLG Select Committee Inquiry into domestic electrical safety, which came down firmly in favour of retaining Part P and called on the government to do more to promote awareness. It also called on DIY stores to place warnings on electrical equipment.
Our position has been supported by a number of like-minded organisations, including Which?, Shelter, and the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA).
The consultation has now closed and the announcement of a final decision on the future of Part P is expected in the autumn, with legislation coming into force early in 2013. We expect that Part P will be retained but with some amendments that will see minor works removed. Ahead of the autumn, we will be continuing to advocate its retention.
Click on the link to read the ESC’s Response to the Part P Consultation
[b]Other Activity[/b]As well as our work on Part P, we have made good progress in advocating for improved standards in the private rented sector in Westminster, recently holding a roundtable with Derbyshire MPs to discuss RCDs and fire safety in the County.
We have made significant progress in Scotland. In February the Scottish government launched a consultation on content for a Tenant Information Pack (TIP). As a result of our meetings with Scottish officials, the consultation included a requirement to provide essential information on health and safety issues within accommodation, including electrical appliances and installations.
Our response to the consultation recommends that TIPs should go further in promoting electrical safety through inclusion of:
- Proof that an inspection of the electrics has been carried out every five years by a qualified electrician
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT); and
- A statement about whether an RCD is installed in the property and what type
We are also making progress in Wales and have had good initial discussions with Assembly Members regarding the inclusion of electrical safety in the Welsh Housing Strategy. These led to Mike Hedges AM and Peter Black AM questioning Housing Minister Huw Lewis on the issue earlier this month, and we are optimistic that action will be taken on housing conditions as part of new measures being introduced.
In the year ahead, we will build on the engagement we have in Scotland and Wales as well as continuing to advocate for the retention of Part P of the Building Regulations in England. We will also be engaging with local councils to discuss their strategies for ensuring safety in privately rented accommodation.
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