We're pleased to say that from our perspective, after a telephone call today, Scotland is leading the way in listening to the case we are presenting to Government. More than any other in the UK. they completely understand and officially engage with us on matters outlined below.
There is no independent measure of competence on a Domestic Appliance Repairer. They agree that an Electrician, as part of his Electrical Qualification, has no requirement and nor is he/she taught anything about Appliance Repairs.
They had received our documentation illustrating a single example of how a PAT Test does not mean an Electrician or a Qualified PAT Tester, would be able to certify an appliance is safe to use.
They agree that something should be done about managing the Fire Risk of an Electrical Product Recall, and completely understand the benefits our National Appliance Safety Register provides. Not only of Safety, but Social, Environmental, and its benefits to Local Regeneration and job creation.
They agree that official guidance under the Housing Act is not clear enough that Product Recalls are a Fire Risk and will look to amend this in new guidance that we are pleased to be engaged in.
They are also looking at how they can urgently raise awareness, under existing legislation that our Register is available to help Landlords mitigate their management of these existing fire risks. We hope that Enforcement, Compliance and Fire Officers of Scottish Local Authorities are quickly made aware of the Register With the Scottish Minister for Housing announcing a £4.5M pot for Landlords, it would be remiss if fire risks like recalls were not mitigated, otherwise some of this money could literally go up in flames.
We also hope a cooperative spirit will follow, particularly from Landlords right across Scotland, so that they can demonstrate due diligence in protecting the safety of their tenants and properties. Particularly as Landlords can also achieve up to 20% Savings on their building insurances, where appliances are registered from their properties.
We do not know for certain at this juncture what the Scottish Government will finally do, but we do know they are listening as reported. Well done Scotland.