What strategy does the Welsh Government have to improve the domestic electrical safety in vulnerable people’s homes in Wales over the next 5 years?
The Fire and Rescue Service already provides comprehensive advice on domestic fire safety, including electrical fire safety, and is funded by the Welsh Government to carry out over 50,000 home fire safety visits every year. This programme focuses on those who may be at greater risk of fire and each visit covers all risks that are relevant to the premises and residents concerned. However, the emphasis is on promoting awareness of fire risks and how to avoid them; firefighters are not qualified to identify or repair electrical faults more generally.
The Welsh Government also provide funding to Care and Repair Agencies across Wales. Following a referral and an initial casework assessment a property inspection is normally undertaken by a Care and Repair Technical Officer. This helps complete the picture of works needed and any hazards within the home including electrical and fire risks.
Further, section 91 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, once implemented, will require landlords to ensure their dwelling is fit for human habitation. Regulations relating to the determination of whether a dwelling is fit for human will include additional requirements for landlords to install working carbon monoxide alarms, smoke alarms and undertake an electrical safety test at least every five years.