Enforcement Action
In the October edition of the HETAS e-news we featured a piece on tackling rogue installers. Throughout 2016 the HETAS team has worked hard with enforcement agencies to tackle rogue installers and we want to continue that work into 2017 and need your help.
During 2016 HETAS continued to work with enforcement agencies to tackle rogue installers, as highlighted in the recent Glyn Mayne, who traded as ‘Nostalgia Home’ case. In this case ten different customers came forward, from all over south east Wales, and every person who contacted Trading Standards complained about poor workmanship and that they had all believed Mayne to be HETAS registered when he was not.
Prosecution
Glyn Norman Mayne appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 20th July 2016 for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud and 15 charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. He was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay compensation totalling £4,950 to be paid to 8 of the customers, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £100.
Enforcement such as this has become more common in recent years, aided by HETAS becoming a Trading Standards Primary Authority, working in partnership with Gloucestershire Trading Standards and Trading Standards nationally to bring about enforcement action. Our registration team and management have provided countless Witness Statements to Trading Standards agencies nationwide.
Taking enforcement action also applies to registrants who do not meet the standards required for registration with HETAS. A number of businesses have been suspended and removed from the registration scheme this year and we always want to know about installers who aren’t complying with standards
The HETAS whistle-blowing process has also proven effective as a means for registrants to notify HETAS of non-complaint work. Our marketing team also monitor social media posts. Ultimately, contact with homeowners is the best way for HETAS to investigate a complaint effectively, our complaints process can be viewed by clicking here.
HETAS always wants to hear about businesses falsely claiming to be HETAS registered, appear to be misusing the HETAS brand or those who do not comply with standards and regulations. Please get in touch with our team with any concerns you might have about rogue traders in your area or non-compliant installations you have encountered. The team on the Technical Helpline is also on hand to discuss the required action to take when identifying non-compliance with Building Regulations. In 2017, the HETAS team will also share details on a new unsafe situation procedure.
