Latest News - 25 September 2006
SAFE AS HOUSES? GAS SAFETY ON THE AGENDA AT LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
Carbon monoxide poisoning and consumer protection was more than a fringe issue at the recent Labour Party Conference. Speaking at a packed lunchtime event All Party Gas Safety Group Chairman, Barry Sheerman MP, called on the financial services sector to provide audible smoke and CO detectors with every mortgage or home insurance policy.
The Huddersfield MP became Co-Chair of the All Party Group after the tragic death of a young boy in his constituency from carbon monoxide poisoning. Mr Sheerman drew attention to the Group's recent report into CO awareness, which calls for the energy retailers and gas suppliers to unite to fund a nationwide media campaign telling the public about the dangers of CO. He also called for more to be done to tackle cowboy installers and ensure proper registration and regulation of the workforce.
Fellow speaker Marianne Hood, of the Labour Housing Group, urged that any consumer information campaign take account of the needs of society's most vulnerable groups. These include non-English speakers and people with learning difficulties, who are often sheltered in temporary housing. She felt there was a golden opportunity to create a partnership between Government, local authorities, the voluntary sector, community groups, private sector, and regulators, to protect those most disadvantaged and at greatest risk.
Speaking for gas safety regulator CORGI, Mike Thompson backed Mr Sheerman's call for a national CO awareness campaign and for more home-owners and tenants to have audible CO detectors installed in their homes. He stated CORGI's commitment to keeping people safe from the potential dangers of gas and carbon monoxide, and their willingness to working with Government, other professional bodies and consumer groups to meet the target of zero fatalities from CO poisoning.
A lively debate saw contributions from gas installers, campaigning groups, energy retailers and local councillors. Download a copy of The All Party Group's report on carbon monoxide awareness.