August 2000
Government approval for Institute scheme under 1999 Water Regulations
The DETR has announced that the Institute of Plumbing has been approved as an organisation whose members can be identified as Approved Contractor Persons (ACP) under Regulation 1, (2) (b) of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 which apply in England and Wales. This approval automatically applies under Water Byelaws in Scotland.The Institute's Approved Contractor Person scheme is currently the only means of approval outside of the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) and other water company arrangements which, unlike the IoP scheme, are not subject to prior scrutiny by the Secretary of State.
An IoP ACP scheme committee, comprising representatives of the IoP, BPEC, WTi and consumer groups will now be invited to establish and implement the scheme. DETR and the Water Regulations Advisory Service will act as observers.
Environment Minister, Chris Mullin, commenting on the Institute's approval said, "We want consumers to have peace of mind when they employ a plumber. Without specialist knowledge, it is difficult to know when work has been done properly. That is why we are supporting this new Approved Contractor scheme - it will help customers identify a good plumber."
Andy Watts, the Institute's Chief Executive said, "We are delighted that the Institute has been recognised by the Government in this way and that its members will be able to identify their individual knowledge competence in the new Water Regulations. The scheme is voluntary so, to be effective, it will need widespread support especially from members and it will take a little while to get up and running. However, the announcement of this scheme - which follows in the wake of the Cabinet Office Better Regulation Task Force report on Alternatives to State Regulation - underpins the Institute's role and relevance as a voluntary professional body at the start of the 21st century."
ENDS
17 AUGUST 2000
