Article in Gi Magazine September 2018

This article was about carbon monoxide, the silent killer. I was delighted to be able to submit this material and nearly all of my submission was published.

However, when I wrote this article in early summer 2018 I didn’t know about the Gas Safe Register’s policy Please see https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/media/2376/consumer-policy-our-service-explained.pdf and for tenants see 8.2 which says the following:- 

‘If you are a tenant, we will seek permission from your landlord before undertaking our

investigation. However, if you do not wish to engage your landlord, we will only be able

to conduct a visual inspection of the installation. Whilst we accept your request this will

limit the extent and effectiveness of our investigation into your complaint.

Note: Where we identify gas related safety defects we may be obliged to inform your

landlord or their agent, where known.’

We think this is wrong and means tenants basically cannot obtain a free test of their gas appliances for carbon monoxide unless they obtain the landlord’s permission. Most tenants are far too frightened of being evicted or harassed to seek such permission.

Download the PDF or view the JPEGs below:

  

Attended prize giving at the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House on 28th June 2018

Attended this joyful occasion which was brilliantly organised by many but particularly Georgina Bailey, Gerarda Kendrick and Adrian McConnell but no doubt there are many others who also contributed.
Everyone enjoyed it hugely – I know I did. It was wonderful to find that the CO awareness competition had been taken on fully and extended so well. There was even a teacher who had won when I ran it and it was so good to see him again.
I also saw Emmi Isham responsible for ‘Safety Seymour’ (a teddy bear) introduced I think by Cadent and who I met a couple of years ago. Safety Seymour is now used by I think all the GDNs to raise awareness of CO in primary schools. Emmi and I were delighted to see each other again and I raised the importance of raising awareness of CO in refugee camps. I suggested we contact the United Nations and extend Safety Seymour’s fame. I have tried all my contacts and have now raised this with the GDNs, particularly Phil Burrows of Cadent and Tom Bell of Northern Gas Networks, chair of the group of GDNs who are trying to interest their PR people.
Barry Sheerman MP kindly suggested I send him some more PQs which I have done. Will they be asked? I hope so.

Attended a meeting with npower and Audrey Gallagher of Energy UK

This was an excellent meeting which gave us huge hope. Matt Cole of npower hosted the meeting and Audrey Gallagher of Energy UK attended and listened to our main problems which are the law on landlords’ gas safety checks and CO alarms in the rented sector, lack of awareness and lack of proof. Further details of matters discussed will be put on the website.
Attendees were also Ben Kuchta representing gas installers, Laura Parkes PR for npower and Amy Archer, PR for CO-Gas Safety

Consumer Defender 2017

On Friday 5th January Stephanie received the following email:-

Stephanie

I have for several years, in the absence of recognition from other quarters, sought to highlight the very best in Campaigning and recognising individuals engaged in valuable work for and on behalf of Consumers.

I am pleased to tell you that you are the recipient of the accolade of Consumer Defender 2017, along with other wonderful Consumer Defenders!

Regrettably, resources do not permit the giving out of something tangible to mark this auspicious event, but you are forever recognised as a true Consumer Defender!

Congratulations; here is the link to the award and citation: http://www.frankbrehany.com/blog/consumer-defenders-of-2017/

Kind Regards,

Frank Brehany

Independent Consumer Campaigner & Commentator

www.frankbrehany.com

Stephanie Trotter, OBE is honoured and grateful to be the recipient of this award and thanks Frank Brehany very much indeed.