There should be an MOT style of servicing for gas appliances in social housing, according to a recent report published by the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG).

The report, ‘Carbon Monoxide: From Awareness to Action’, addresses the behavioural changes that need to be made to prevent carbon monoxide incidents. The report was compiled from oral and written evidence submitted by industry experts to the inquiry by the cross-party Parliamentary Group.

Recommendation 8 of the APPCOG report states: ‘The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 should be amended to introduce MOT-style (13-month validity) appliance servicing rules, allowing the same service date to be used annually.’

This suggestion has been well received by housing provider Home Group. Chief executive Mark Henderson said: “The legal system surrounding gas access is fundamentally flawed. It’s costly financially and it has great potential to be costly in terms of lives, which is why we’re campaigning for the law to be changed. Alongside being granted the same access rights as local authorities, and a consistent way of contacting and working with tenants to gain access, following an MOT-style of servicing would help housing providers make significant savings and reinvest their money more effectively.”

The Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM) has also welcomed the report’s proposals. Chris Bielby, president of the AGSM, said: “We support APPCOG in their recommendations and will continue to work proactively with all stakeholders, on behalf of AGSM members, to ensure the changes are put in place.”