Gas Safety Register ID now required for gas repairs

A CHANGE in the law affecting homes and businesses with plans to have gas appliances serviced, upgraded, or installed, is being highlighted by West Somerset Council
From tomorrow, the Government is introducing the Gas Safe Register to replace the familiar CORGI gas registration system.
The Gas Safe Register is the official industry stamp for gas safety under the new scheme which is overseen by the Health and Safety Executive, the organisation responsible for regulating gas safety in Great Britain.
The council’s housing portfolio holder, Councillor Kate Kravis, said: “The Government has changed the legislation, and from April 1 anybody carrying out gas work within the scope of the regulations must be on the Gas Safe Register.
“The new law states that if somebody other than a Gas Safe registered engineer undertakes regulated gas work in your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property.
“Many contractors now registered with Gas Safe may not have had the chance to update their vans and literature, which may still display the CORGI symbol.
“However, public safety is paramount and we urge people to make certain by asking engineers to show their new Gas Safe identity badges.”
The new register will provide enhanced levels of service and clearly written rules of registration.
There will also be new services and benefits designed to improve the registration scheme and promote gas safety.
Gas Safe registered engineers are listed at http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ or details can be found by calling 0800 408 550.
West Somerset building control manager Jayne Hall said: “Building control is all about ensuring public safety in homes, offices, and other buildings.
“It is important that people know about this change in legislation and contact Gas Safe if necessary.
“If you are considering any building or renovation work on a property, West Somerset’s building control team would be happy to advise you on any aspects that may need building control regulations.
“Initial advice is free and can save homeowners problems later on, especially when coming to sell.”

Council partnership offers low cost home improvement loans for low earners

LOW interest loans for essential home improvements are being offered to West Somerset residents of all ages who have a low income.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between West Somerset Council and the Wessex Reinvestment Trust, which helps communities to become more sustainable.
Under the scheme, homeowners can borrow from £1,000 to £15,000, depending on the cost of the work, at an interest rate that is fixed at three per cent for the entire lifetime of the loan.
Projects which could be considered for loans include repairs to leaky roofs, replacing boilers and radiators, installing central heating, replacing rotten windows or doors, and updating bathrooms or kitchens more than 20-years-old.
The council’s housing portfolio holder, Councillor Kate Kravis, said: “Interest rates are currently low so it may seem like a good time to borrow from high street lenders to carry out vital home improvements.
“However, these rates are likely to rise again when the economy recovers.
“The beauty of these low cost loans is that they will never rise.
“We also have trustworthy, experienced advisers who will help people choose a scheme that is right for their circumstances.
“The loans can help homeowners of all ages on low incomes to meet the decent homes standard.
“The work is carried out by trusted local tradesmen, and it is inspected by the council to ensure it is completed to a good standard.”
More information about the scheme is available by calling 0845 241 7243 or visiting the Wessex Reinvestment Trust website at www.wessexrt.co.uk.

Grant scheme aids homeowners on low incomes

HOMEOWNERS in West Somerset who need essential home improvements but who are on low incomes and/or benefits are being urged to apply for low-cost loans from a district council-backed scheme.
The scheme’s interest rate is fixed at three per cent, and monthly repayments are low and will not rise for the entire lifetime of the loan.
West Somerset Council’s health and well-being portfolio holder, Councillor Kate Kravis, said: “Homeowners of all ages can borrow up to £15,000 for essential home improvements, and all applications are treated in confidence.
“The cost of borrowing is far less than you will find from high street lenders and I cannot recommend the scheme highly enough.
“Projects we can consider include repairs to leaky roofs, replacing boilers and radiators, installing central heating, replacing rotten windows or doors, and updating bathrooms or kitchens over 20 years old.
“In fact, we will consider any improvements that help local homes meet the decent homes standard.”
Trustworthy, experienced advisers ensure that homeowners receive the right financial package for their circumstances.
Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: “The adviser will support applicants throughout the whole application process and the council will inspect the work to make sure it has been completed to a good standard.
“We work with the Wessex Reinvestment Trust, who co-ordinate the scheme and remove as much of the worry as possible from applicants.
“We have invested funds to offer people this great opportunity to improve their homes, and we sincerely hope they will make use of it.”
For more information, contact Julie Payne at West Somerset Council on 01643 703704 or log on to the Wessex Home Improvement Loans website at www.wessexrt.co.uk.

New Year 'WISH' from council for warmer homes in 2008

WEST Somerset Council is ‘WISHing’ residents a warm, happy, and healthy New Year by supporting a free scheme to help local people over the age of 60 stay warm and well, and financially independent.
The council is backing Warmer Improved Somerset Homes (WISH), which helps people with the process of applying for grants to improve their homes and ensures any work is undertaken by trusted local traders.
Samples of the work are also inspected by the WISH team to make sure it has been completed to a good standard.
The council’s health and well-being portfolio holder, Councillor Kate Kravis, said: “Homeowners and privately renting tenants over 60 years of age may be able to get help with insulation, heating systems, household repairs, and adaptations to their homes to make their lives easier.
“This is a great scheme and I hope people will use this free, confidential service to find out exactly what they are entitled to, and what help is available.
“All homeowners over the age of 70 are eligible for free cavity wall or loft insulation.
“Our friendly team of specialist advisers can also help with sound advice on benefits.”
People who are not entitled to free help may still find they are eligible for grants, or a substantial discount.
WISH is run jointly by the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre and the Somerset Coast Home Improvement Agency (SCHIP), which is supported by West Somerset Council and Sedgemoor District Council and funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
More information is available by calling the WISH team free on 0800 512 012.