Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Noted (AI summary) Illegible response.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Communities and Local Government does not consider building regulations to be the best way to ensure swimming pool safety, as regulations apply only where building work takes place and cannot be applied retrospectively. They expect owners/occupiers to be responsible for safety on their property.

Noted (AI summary) AMDEA's Technical Manager on Refrigeration together with industry safety specialists prepared a basic proposal for change to the international standard IEC 60335-2-24. This proposal was placed before the BSI committee CPL61 and was accepted as a UK proposal for change at international level in 2014; the UK proposal was accepted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) meeting in Tokyo. BSI Committees CPL/61 and PEL/33 reviewed the points raised and are submitting a proposal to the International Committee to add a warning about supply cords and portable socket-outlets to relevant appliances, and a new test for non-metallic material covering thermal insulation. The Society explains its role as a professional body for forensic science practitioners, noting that their reports are usually delivered directly to those who engaged them and may be sensitive or confidential. They state that forensic scientists are rarely involved in fire investigations unless they are serious, unexplained or suspicious, and that the fire service and/or police usually investigate. CFOA will engage proactively with DCLG to help develop the future IRS and the ease by which this type of information can be gathered, accessed and disseminated. CFOA will provide guidance to FRS by April 2015 to help ensure that the information provided on IRS is as accurate and meaningful as is possible to facilitate the ease by which DCLG could provide it to TS and manufacturers if they decided to do so. BIS will consider consistency of guidance and sharing of best practice as part of the independent review of consumer product recalls. The potential for a Code of Practice will also be considered as part of the independent review. BIS will continue to support AMDEA's Register my Appliance site.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Communities and Local Government acknowledges the concerns regarding glazing safety but notes that Building Regulations only apply to new building work and extensions. It outlines the duties of landlords and the powers of local authorities to tackle poor-quality accommodation.