The Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) claims to have had “an element of success” in its turf war with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (Corgi) over the association’s claim that the gas safety watchdog’s bidding to expand its influence.

The HVCA is concerned that Corgi is intent on extending its remit beyond gas safety. A spokesperson for the HVCA said: “It [Corgi] says it does not need to consult with the industry it serves and that it is broadening its remit beyond gas safety”.

Corgi issued the following statement in response to the claims: “We are currently in dialogue with a small group of members including the HVCA, to discuss various concerns raised recently regarding some of Corgi’s activities ”.

The row follows Corgi’s announcement to make it a requirement for all installers of gas appliances to register each installation from 1 April.

The HVCA described the requirement for registration as additional red tape for bona fide installers. A spokesperson said: “We are up in arms with Corgi’s decision – it is another piece of legislation that does very little as far as eliminating rogue traders”.

The spat has led to the HVCA threatening to withdraw from Corgi.

The dispute is set to escalate with other trade associations coming out in support of the HVCA in their campaign against the mandatory registration installations.

Source

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