10/6/2016
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is supporting the AGSM (Association of Gas Safety Managers) Campaign to move to an MOT style of annual gas safety check for landlords and is putting in place a comprehensive consultation process on all aspects of the change.
Since the launch of the Campaign in November 2013, the AGSM has lobbied with Home Group and other campaigners to raise awareness of the benefits of moving to an MOT style of LGSR (Landlord’s Gas Safety Record).
A move to an MOT style of servicing would mean that the gas safety check could be carried out up to two months before the due date but that the due date would remain unchanged each year. Estimated savings over the next decade are somewhere in the region of £10 billion.
Claire Heyes, CEO of the AGSM, said: “We believe that the key to making significant savings in Gas Access is through an industry-wide move to the MOT style of servicing. It will lead to improved productivity for landlords, planned servicing for summer months, improved tenant cooperation, less confusion for elderly and vulnerable tenants, allowing for a greater focus on other areas of safe affordable warmth.”
Stuart Kitchingman from the HSE spoke at the AGSM Gas Safety Management Conference 2016 in April and confirmed the support of the HSE to a move to an MOT style of LGSR. He confirmed the wording of the proposed amendment to HSE Regulation 36(3)(aa) which would state:
- For the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), a safety check carried out not less than 10 months and not more than 12 months after the date of the most recent safety checks shall be treated as if made at the end of that period
Subsequent meetings by the AGSM with the HSE have confirmed that they are currently putting in place a comprehensive consultation process and an impact assessment to assist with the additional approval which is still required.
Claire concluded: “We are working closely with the HSE and welcome their support and their plans for consultation. The change to an MOT style of LGSR will have a significant impact on the rented housing sector and make considerable savings.”
Mark Henderson, Home Group chief executive, said: “The Gas Access Campaign has put the issue of annual safety checks firmly on the agenda. The MOT style proposal is a significant change which can help improve safety and at the same time produce considerable savings for landlords.”
“More than 200 voices from the highest levels in housing associations, local authorities, MPs and gas experts supported our call and we’ll now harness that support to make sure the MOT style system works as best as possible for the sector by fully engaging with the HSE.”