Mandatory safety checks essential

Electrical Safety First has weighed in on mandatory electrical safety checks in the public rented sector.

Phil Buckle, chief executive at Electrical Safety First, commented: “The government’s decision to commit to introducing mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector – after years of campaigning by Electrical Safety First – was a welcome step in improving the safety of private tenants in England. The recent, tragic death of Professor Alliston, who died of electrocution in the garden of his rented property, illustrates the importance of this essential safety requirement.

"Electrical Safety First is extremely concerned the government has not yet provided a time-scale to implement these checks, particularly since it announced its intention of doing so last year.

"It is essential the government provides clarity in relation to electrical inspections in the private rented sector, both in terms of timeline and how these inspections will be enforced.

"We also want to emphasise the importance of ensuring that the enforcement body is funded sufficiently to undertake its work effectively and the importance of using a competent, qualified and registered electrician to undertake such checks.”