Together we can make Scotland better.

The introduction of mandatory electrical safety checks in privately rented accommodation enabling safer conditions for tenants to live in safer homes is being championed by Bob Doris MSP.

Mr Doris, MSP for Glasgow, over the past few months has been working closely with the Electrical Safety Council (ESC). The charity has been instrumental in raising awareness of the issue and campaigning for improvements in safety standards in homes.

Bob Doris MSP said:

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that their properties are safe for purpose for their tenants.

Most landlords are good landlords and ensure that their homes are fit for purpose and safe but good practice needs to be regulated to ensure it is universal across Scotland.

The proposal by the ESC for mandatory, five yearly checks, by a registered electrician, of both the electrical installation in a rented property and any electrical appliances supplied with it is both sensible and practical.

I intend to bring forward an amendment to the Housing Bill next year and am hopeful that the vital aspect will be underpinned in the legislation.

I have met with the Margaret Burgess, the Scottish Government Housing Minister, and I understand she is open-minded to this idea which will make thousands of Scotlands homes safer.

Phil Buckle, Director General of the ESC added:

We are delighted that Bob Doris is supporting our proposal. With the majority of domestic fires in Scotland caused by electricity, we believe regular electrical safety checks - undertaken by a suitably qualified person - is particularly important for raising standards in the Private Rented Sector.

Originally posted here:
Together we can make Scotland better.