Muir supports Gas Access Week
People could be needlessly putting lives at risk by refusing access to their homes for gas safety checks.
That is the message from Muir Group Housing, who recorded 1,610 missed appointments across their homes in the North and North West last year.
The housing association, which is responsible for 5,000 homes across the country, has released these figures in support of Gas Access Week, (27th April – 1st May), which aims to improve gas safety for millions of people across the country by calling for a change in the law.
Currently local authorities are able to apply to a court to gain lawful entry into homes within 24 hours of refusal by a tenant. But the same process can take up to four months for Housing Associations to legally gain entry to a property. The Gas Access Campaign wants to simplify the process for both sectors.
Figures from the Gas Access Campaign, being spearheaded by Home Group, the Association of Gas Safety Managers and Gas Safe Register suggest the issue is one which costs the social housing sector £50m each year.
Sam Scott, Director of Housing Services at Muir said:
“Muir has a duty to ensure that our residents and their homes are safe by carrying out annual gas checks.
“While the majority of our residents are happy to allow access, there are a small number who refuse, and the current legislation doesn’t give housing associations like Muir the powers they need to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbours.
“The law as it stands is not fit for purpose, and is also costing the sector vast sums of money – money which would be better spent investing in services or building and maintaining good quality, affordable homes. We want to help ensure that there is a level playing field across the sector when it comes to gas safety legislation.”
More than 160 housing providers have now backed the campaign, along with 15 local authorities and key political figures such as London Mayor Boris Johnson.
To sign up to the campaign and put your name to a petition calling on the Government to alter the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 visit: www.gasaccesscampaign.org.uk
Can’t make your appointment?
Muir has appointed two contractors, Warmer Energy Services Ltd in the north, and Foster Property Maintenance Ltd in the south, to carry out these safety checks on our behalf.
Keep an eye out for your annual gas safety check appointment letter arriving through your letter box.
If the appointment date in the letter is not convenient, please contact the contractor for your area or our customer service desk on 0300 123 1222 to arrange another appointment.