The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has announced that Don Foster MP, the Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, will be the keynote speaker at its industry summit, to be held at Central Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday 12th March.
Mr Foster will discuss the changes to Part P of the Building Regulations, recently announced by his department, and take questions from delegates at the event, which will bring together key players from the electrical industry.
As well as discussions around Part P, the event will also cover issues ranging from what the Green Deal means for contractors, to the ongoing review of housing standards.
Phil Buckle, Director General of the ESC said:
“The electrical industry is experiencing considerable change and we share Government’s desire that the industry should take a collaborative approach to the changes to its landscape. We are delighted that Don Foster is able to join us to discuss these changes and how we can work together with the electrical industry and with Government to make the public fully aware of Part P and its requirements”.
Communities Minister Don Foster said:
"In April new measures kick in that will allow DIYers to make simple electrical improvements to their home, without having to spend hundreds of pounds on getting the council’s approval. I am also cutting unnecessary red tape for qualified electricians, which will make their work more affordable. Householders will be free to get on with or arrange the jobs they’ve been putting off.
"Safety remains the number one concern. The message to people thinking of doing electrical work themselves is if you are not sure, use a competent registered electrician. It’s vital government and industry keep working together to get this message out, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to speak at the Electrical Industry Summit to reinforce this."
Following the summit, an electrical industry Green Paper will be produced, providing a summary of industry and stakeholder views on current and future challenges and how best to deal with them. This Paper will then be submitted to relevant Government departments and executive agencies for consideration and further discussion.