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Scottish Plumbers Warn Of Green Deal Dangers
SNIPEF has issued a warning over proposals contained in the “Green Deal” consultation document issued by the UK Government’s Energy and Climate Change Department.
In its response SNIPEF said "It is difficult to see how the vast majority of businesses in the plumbing and heating industry which are either micro businesses or SMEs will be able to participate in Green Deal. There must be safeguards put in place to ensure that small businesses don't miss out."
SNIPEF CEO Robert Burgon said “It is vital that a simple and streamlined system is available within Green Deal so that customers can continue to use a local plumber or heating engineer they know and trust. It’s also frustrating that government are creating yet another organisation with costs and red-tape particularly as there are very similar schemes already in place.”
Robert added “Whilst we acknowledge and support offering assistance to customers, many of whom are in “fuel poverty”, a chance to update their heating systems, SMEs MUST be part of the Green Deal solution. As it presently stands they are not and this is not good news for installers or customers”.
SNIPEF Launches Winter Consumer Campaign
SNIPEF has launched an advice campaign, targeting consumers throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland with its “Plumbing Top Tips” guide.
Robert Burgon, Chief Executive of SNIPEF said:
“We are encouraging householders, businesses and public service providers to think ahead and take a few simple steps, aimed at avoiding the considerable damage and inconvenience of burst or frozen pipes this winter.”
You can download SNIPEF’s “Plumbing Top Tips” here or contact a SNIPEF registered plumber via www.needaplumber.org
SNIPEF supports the Winter Campaigns of Scottish Water (www.scottishwater.co.uk) and Northern Ireland Water (www.niwater.com) and SNIPEF plumbers are also contactable via these websites.
Government Announces Plans For "Green Deal"
Homes and economy to benefit from energy and climate policies – Chris Huhne, Energy and Climate Change Secretary.
- Green Deal scheme will kick start £14bn investment over the next decade, supporting at least 65,000 insulation and construction jobs by 2015
- £1.3 billion a year additional help from energy companies for vulnerable and hard-to-insulate homes
- Overall average household energy bill in 2020 will be 7%, or £94, lower than without energy and climate polices
£14 billion worth of private sector investment in home energy improvements over the next decade will help insulate households from rising global energy prices and create thousands of jobs in the British insulation and construction sector, said Chris Huhne.
A consultation on the Green Deal, which will provide home energy saving upgrades to householders at no up-front cost, was published in November 2011 as part of the Energy and Climate Change Secretary’s Annual Energy Statement to Parliament. He also published a new government analysis showing that homes will on average be cheaper to heat and light in future than if the Government was not pursuing policies to keep the lights on and emissions down.
Chris Huhne said “The Green Deal is also a massive business opportunity for firms up and down Britain, helping to power the economy and creating jobs. From one-man bands and local authorities, to the big supermarkets and DIY stores, we want as many providers getting involved as possible because that’s what will give consumers the best deal.
“I want to insulate Britain’s homes not just from the cold weather, but also from the chill winds of global fossil fuel prices. It’s these that are pushing up consumer energy prices, and it’s why our balanced package of policies aimed at achieving energy savings and shifting to more home grown alternatives is the right one for the economy and all of us who pay energy bills.
“There are certainly costs to replacing our ageing energy infrastructure with modern, clean power stations, and we take very seriously any impact of our policies on what consumers and businesses pay. We’ve repeatedly taken steps to reduce this – by removing some planned levies on bills and making others more cost effective and within budget.
“But a crucial – and too often ignored – priority of our whole strategy is to reduce the amount of energy we use in our homes.”
The Green Deal framework will be launched from October 2012. The consultation outlines the following three big benefits of the ground breaking scheme – and asks for comments from industry and the public:
- Every British home and business will be able to install packages of energy-saving technologies such as insulation at no up-front cost, making their property warmer and cosier straight away, with repayments made over time out of the energy savings. Strict standards will be put in place to prevent consumers being ripped off by cowboys.
- A new requirement on energy companies to provide £1.3 billion a year to ensure everyone is able to benefit from the Green Deal – no matter their income or the type of house they live in. Additional help will be available to ensure the fuel poor get better boilers and fix draughty homes, while subsidy will also be provided to help tackle homes that are hard to insulate – including solid wall homes.
- The Green Deal is expected to kick start around £14 billion of private sector investment over the next decade – with new safeguards to help small family firms as well as big high street names become involved. The Green Deal could support at least 65,000 insulation and construction jobs by 2015.
Up to £150 in cash back could be available for homes taking out a Green Deal – to be funded through private sector Green Deal finance – as part of efforts to make the Green Deal as attractive as possible.
Separately, the Chancellor announced in Budget 2011 that the Government is committed to the success of the Green Deal and will act to encourage and incentivise take-up so the Green Deal will appeal to households, businesses and prospective providers alike before it is introduced in 2012.
The annual estimate of the impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills shows:
- By the end of 2011 household electricity prices will have increased by around 16% and household gas prices by 25% since the start of the year. This has been due mostly to global fossil fuel prices. Over the past year alone the global gas price increased by nearly 40%. Many experts expect global fossil fuel prices to continue to rise over the medium- and long term, meaning energy bills are likely to increase with or without policies.
- Government policies currently account for around 7% of an average household energy bill and have contributed very little to these recent price increases. In fact, accounting for the efficiency savings policies already delivered, the average household energy bill in 2011 is only 2% higher than it would have been if these policies were never introduced.
- In 2020 the average household bill will be 7%, or £94, lower than if the Government was not pursuing policies to achieve energy savings and incentivise the shift from fossil fuels to alternatives. A net saving will start to kick in from around 2013 and, over the remaining lifetime of this Parliament, average household bills will be lower than they otherwise would be, as a result of energy and climate policies. This assumes a central gas price estimate of nearly 70p/therm in 2020. If the gas price was to be higher, householders would be even better off.
- Government policies will enable more of the most vulnerable to heat their homes more affordably, as they will receive extra help through the new Warm Home Discount.
The analysis published today also covers the impact of policies on prices and bills for businesses. Energy and climate change policies affect businesses differently to households. Businesses are not supported by the same range of energy efficiency policies, and not many of them are able to make significant savings due to the nature of the industrial processes involved. Their energy prices are also on average lower than household energy prices – many pay closer to wholesale energy prices – and so a given unit cost will result in a higher percentage increase in bills. These factors combine to mean energy and climate change policies are expected to, on average, add to business energy bills. While it is important businesses play their part in the transition to a low-carbon economy, it is equally important they remain competitive and that the UK remains an attractive location for them. There would be no advantage – neither for the UK economy nor in terms of global emissions reductions – in simply forcing UK businesses to relocate to other countries. That is why the Government is committed, before the end of the year, to announce a package of measures for those energy intensive industries for which the impact of Government policies on the cost of electricity will put their international competitiveness most at risk.
To read the Green Deal consultation click here.
SNIPEF Recognises Excellence At Local School
One of SNIPEF’s near neighbours at its new offices in Bellevue House is Drummond Community High School (DCHS). Shortly after the move into the new office, SNIPEF Chief Executive, Robert Burgon, arranged a meeting with Headteacher Norma Prentice and members of her senior team to explore ways in which the organisation could create links with the school. This approach was welcomed and a range of activities have been discussed including the provision of work experience to school pupils and the sponsorship of the school newsletter.
During the discussions, it became clear that while the school had trophies for sporting activities and some subjects, it had never had awards for Craft, Design and Technology (CDT). Principal Teacher of CDT, Cian O’Doherty, said that he would welcome something which could recognise excellence among pupils in this subject.
SNIPEF arranged for a series of “star” trophies to be produced and these were presented to the first winners in June 2011 at the school’s annual awards ceremony.
The SNIPEF and Drummond Community High School Awards for CDT are now displayed prominently in a cabinet just inside the school premises and this year’s pupils in CDT are already working hard with an eye on receiving one of the awards in June 2012.
New Guidance Issued by HMRC on VAT Rates For Energy Saving Installations
Following communications with HMRC earlier in the year related to the application of VAT on energy savings materials, the Plumbing & Heating Contractors’ Alliance -. the overarching body for plumbing and heating businesses in the UK - advises that HMRC has now issued revisions to its guidance on VAT and energy saving materials.
In May 2011, APHC and SNIPEF issued warnings to the industry to make sure they applied the appropriate VAT rate when installing heating systems. This followed increasing industry confusion about when and how the lower rate could be applied, with installers receiving dramatically different messages depending whose advice they took.
HMRC has now produced further guidance about the application of VAT on energy saving materials. Notice 708/6 – November 2011seeks to clarify a number of issues relating to VAT, with the main point of interest for plumbing and heating engineers being the guidelines in section 2.3, which give more specific advice on the VAT rate to be applied to energy saving materials installed with other works.
John Thompson, Chief Executive, APHC said:
“We are pleased that our dialogue with HMRC has been productive. These updated guidelines mirror the advice HMRC provided in a letter to us in response to our enquiries. At the time we received the letter in the summer, we advised members and the wider industry to think very carefully when applying VAT to certain types of work and we would reiterate this advice. Now that the guidance is laid out in black and white, I’d urge all installers to take the time to read it.”
Robert Burgon, Chief Executive, of SNIPEF, added:
“The clearer guidance from HMRC is welcomed as many installers have been confused by the information which has been circulating about this issue”
Both trade bodies do, however, agree that a policy change is needed to allow the lower rate of VAT on all home improvement work as a stimulus to the plumbing and heating sector which has been hit hard in the recession. A policy change in this area would also address the complexities of VAT application on energy saving materials
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2011
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week starts on Monday 21 of November. The campaign is run by CO-Awareness, a registered charity that supports the many victims of Carbon
Monoxide (CO) poisoning and other products of combustion (POC), their families
and friends.
They campaign for the greater awareness to the dangers of
carbon monoxide and other products of combustion associated with the burning of
Gas, Oil, Coal and Wood.
They also campaign for changes in the legislation
covering the manufacture, installation and servicing of appliances burning the
above fuels and lobby the Government and Industry to improve safety and raise
awareness.
For more information, click here.
SNIPEF Edinburgh Branch Presents Painting To Mark Centenary
The SNIPEF Edinburgh Branch presented a specially commissioned painting to SNIPEF to mark their centenary year. The painting was done by Alasdair Banks, a professional artist who specializes in Sporting, Equestrian and Architectural art.
"Edinburgh Highlights" was painted in oil and acrylic on canvas, and gave the artist the opportunity to explore the dramatic lighting effects on the city's most famous buildings, from the spiky crown spire of St Giles through the Bank of Scotland offices on the Mound with its green dome, past the dramatic Castle on the rock to the French style excesses of the Balmoral Hotel and the Gothic Scott Monument. These are buildings that make Edinburgh the most architecturally diverse and exciting city in Europe.
SNIPEF President, Preston Fleming, right, receives "Edinburgh Highlights" from SNIPEF Edinburgh Vice President, Ralph Shaw and Edinburgh Past President, George Thomson.
SNIPEF Chief Executive Awarded Plumbing Honour
SNIPEF Chief Executive, Robert Burgon recently received an Honorary Fellowship from Chris Northey, Chairman of the Society of Public Health Engineers (SOPHE) at their annual dinner. This is the highest award of the Society and recognised the major contribution Robert has made to the plumbing industry.
SNIPEF CEO, Robert Burgon receives his Honorary Fellowship
from SOPHE Chairman, Chris Northey.
SNIPEF Edinburgh Branch Rewards Winning Apprentices
The Edinburgh Branch of SNIPEF held their 10th annual Apprentice Prizegiving at Forth Valley College, Falkirk on Tuesday 8 November 2011. Branch Vice-President, Ralph Shaw welcomed the winning apprentices, their parents and employers to the event.
The prizewinning apprentices were recognised at the event with each receiving a certificate and tool voucher courtesy of Plumb Center, the event’s main sponsor.
Allan Hogg, Plumb Centers’ Area Regional Manager, said “We were delighted to be involved in this event and the winning apprentices, who will make up the workforce of tomorrow, are a great credit to their employers, colleges and trade”.
The highlight of the evening was the award of the David A More Trophy, which is presented to the apprentice who is judged to be the best from the four Colleges which operate in the Branch area (Borders, Forth Valley, Jewel & Esk and Telford).
The winner of the David A More Trophy for 2011 was Joe Bickmore from Telford College. The three runners-up were Steven Meikle from Borders College, Neil Allan from Forth Valley College and Ross Cowan from Jewel & Esk College.
Joe Bickmore receives the David A More Trophy from, L to R, Ralph Shaw, Branch Vice-President, David More and Allan Hogg from Plumb Center.
Edinburgh Council Recognises SNIPEF Edinburgh Branch Centenary
The City of Edinburgh Council has recognised the 100th Birthday of the Edinburgh Branch of SNIPEF by hosting a Civic Reception which was held in the city chambers on Tuesday 1 November 2011.
At the Civic Reception which was hosted by the Rt. Hon George Grubb, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the President of the SNIPEF Edinburgh branch, Robin Hall said: Since it was founded in 1911, the SNIPEF Edinburgh and District Branch has been committed to raising the standards and profile of the plumbing industry in Edinburgh”.
Robin added “The plumbing industry suffers from a poor, and in our opinion, an unjustified reputation despite the fact that our industry is responsible for the health and welfare of the world’s population. In fact in 2007 the British Medical Journal chose the introduction of clean water and sewage disposal – “the sanitary revolution” - as the most important medical milestone since 1840 when the BMJ was first published”.
As part of the celebration a centenary cake in the shape of a WC was cut by Robin and the Lord Provost.
Cutting the cake. Robin Hall with Edinburgh's Lord Provost, Rt. Hon. George Grubb.
New Website Goes Live
The new Plumbing and Heating Contractors’ Alliance Ltd website has now been launched. Click here to visit the site.
The Alliance was created by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) as an overarching body for plumbing and heating businesses throughout the United Kingdom. The Alliance will provide the mechanism for undertaking joint activities that affect plumbing and heating businesses across the UK.
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