The industry body has urged the government to ensure “any new consumer protections for home heating work must apply equally to every household, regardless of the technology or how the work is funded.”
The industry body has urged the government to ensure “any new consumer protections for home heating work must apply equally to every household, regardless of the technology or how the work is funded.”
OFTEC has highlighted concerns over a “two-tier” system for consumer protection for home heating work.
In its response to the consultation on Reforming Consumer Protection for Home Upgrade Schemes, the industry body has urged the government to ensure “any new consumer protections for home heating work must apply equally to every household, regardless of the technology or how the work is funded.”
The government consultation proposes a new consumer protection service for households having work carried out under government backed schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). However, this would leave households who pay for their own heating upgrades without the same level of support if something goes wrong.
OFTEC argues this risks creating a two-tier system for consumers.
In its response, OFTEC raised concerns over the lack of mandated competent person scheme registration. Combined with the cost and bureaucracy of renewable registration, the number of installations notified through umbrella schemes is increasing. Under these schemes, a third party submits the paperwork on behalf of an installer sometimes relying on photographs or videos rather than inspecting the installation in person and OFTEC suggests compliance with Building Regulations may be compromised as a result.
OFTEC also argues that the cost and bureaucracy involved falls hardest on the small, often family run, businesses that make up most of the heating installation sector, discouraging their involvement and further impacting install quality.
Malcolm Farrow, director of marketing and external affairs at OFTEC, said: “We welcome that the government has recognised the need to put in place stronger protections for consumers. However, every household having heating work carried out in their home should have the same standard of protection.
“We also need to address loopholes in the current system which can allow installations to be signed off without anyone who is properly qualified ever inspecting the finished work in person.”
OFTEC argues the most effective way to address these challenges is to make registration with a recognised competent person scheme mandatory for all tradespeople carrying out notifiable work in the home, regardless of whether that work is government funded or paid for by the homeowner.
“We know from our own experience, that a well-run registration scheme addresses this and delivers better outcomes for consumers,” Malcolm continues. “We would urge the government to look at mandatory registration for anyone carrying our notifiable work in homes.
“This consultation is a welcome opportunity to raise standards across the industry, and we support its ambition to get things right first time and give consumers confidence that if something does go wrong, there’s a clear route to putting it right.”
With local authorities holding the power to enforce building regulations in cases of non-compliant work, OFTEC suggests a formal agreement with certification bodies over enforcement action will ensure rogue traders are not able to continue operating.
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