Invoice for LABC Electrical Inspection

[steve1811uk]

Hi All, Just received this today totally out of the blue. It seems to be in direct contravention to part P of the building regs paragraph 1.26 quoted directly below,

“The building control body may choose to carry out the inspection and testing itself, or to contract out some or all of the work to a specialist body which will then carry out the work on its behalf. Building control bodies will carry out the necessary inspection and testing at their expense, not at the householders’ expense.”

I will write a letter to the council pointing this out and definitely will not be paying it. Do you think they're trying it on or just not up to speed with the regs? If they still want the money then who can I then take the case up with? Thanks in advance for any help. Steve.

 

[Chri5]

Could you detail the works done.

I assume it was for a 'client', that the work was notifiable and that you are either a scheme member or notified the LBC.

Could it be that your scheme provider is a bit slow in pushing the submitted paperwork over to the LBC?

 

[steve1811uk]

Sorry Chris I should have explained I am a DIYer. The work involved a new ring main into the kitchen and also radial circuit for the electric oven. I paid the notification fee of about £90, notified that I was starting work and then did the work. BCO inspected at 1st fix and inspected and tested at 2nd fix. Everything was found to be OK and I received a letter from the LABC to say that the work complied with Part P1 of the Building Regulations. Then the invoice turned up ! My point is that part 1.26 as quoted refers exactly to DIYers and says that the inspection and testing expense is not the householders. I think they're trying it on. Steve.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Too right. Their scale of charges is for all inspections and works associated with the notification.
They can (should) do it all themselves, if they choose to sub-contract it then its up to them, not at your expense.

 

[securespark]

Hehe!! Go for it, Steve!

Good luck, and don't forget to keep us up to date with how you get on.

 

[baldelectrician]

Sorry Chris I should have explained I am a DIYer. The work involved a new ring main into the kitchen and also radial circuit for the electric oven. I paid the notification fee of about £90, notified that I was starting work and then did the work. BCO inspected at 1st fix and inspected and tested at 2nd fix. Everything was found to be OK and I received a letter from the LABC to say that the work complied with Part P1 of the Building Regulations. Then the invoice turned up ! My point is that part 1.26 as quoted refers exactly to DIYers and says that the inspection and testing expense is not the householders. I think they're trying it on. Steve.

be glad you live down south.
In Scotland, it is the house holder who has topay for inspection and testing and any remedial works required to bring the installation up to an acceptable standard.

 

[steve1811uk]

I called Building Control today and informed them of their 'mistake'. They told me that it was a computer error and they would cancel the invoice. I pointed out the fact that computers do not in general make errors and in fact it was user error (lack of understanding or disregard of Part P). I then asked for a letter of apology for the stress caused to me and my wife. She definitely didn't like being asked for that! I'll post that letter as soon as I receive it. Steve.

 

[jwilliams]

I wonder if they have a policy of invoicing everyone, and blaming "the computer" if people complain?

 

[securespark]

Yup. Stick everybody with an invoice, and some will pay. That way they recoup some of their money. BAD LA. BAD LA.

 

[steve1811uk]

Well I said I'd post the BCO 'apology' for all to see. I reckon they do bill everyone as Securespark suggested. I agree BAD LA, Very BAD LA. Steve.

 

[plugwash]

isn't this what class action lawsuits were designed for............

 

[Taylortwocities]

One for the little guy, yippee