Part 2The regulator and its functions

Plans and reports

21Report on certain safety-related matters

(1)

Before the end of the period of three years beginning when this section comes into force, the regulator must—

(a)

carry out a cost-benefit analysis of making regular inspections of, and testing and reporting on, the condition of electrical installations in relevant buildings;

(b)

consider what further provision under the Building Act 1984, or in guidance under that Act, may be made about—

(i)

stairs and ramps in relevant buildings,

(ii)

emergency egress of disabled persons from relevant buildings, and

(iii)

automatic water fire suppression systems in relevant buildings,

with a view to improving the safety of persons in or about relevant buildings, and carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the making of that provision.

(2)

Before the end of that period, the regulator must—

(a)

prepare one or more reports about the analysis mentioned in subsection (1) (which may also contain recommendations), and

(b)

give them to the Secretary of State.

(3)

The Secretary of State must publish any report received under subsection (2).

(4)

In this section “cost-benefit analysis” means—

(a)

an analysis of the costs together with an analysis of the benefits that will arise if the things mentioned in subsection (1)(a) are done or the provision mentioned in subsection (1)(b) is made, and

(b)

an estimate of those costs and of those benefits (subject to subsection (5)).

(5)

If, in the opinion of the regulator—

(a)

the costs or benefits cannot reasonably be estimated, or

(b)

it is not reasonably practicable to produce an estimate,

the cost-benefit analysis need not estimate them, but must include a statement of the regulator’s opinion and an explanation of it.

(6)

In this section—

“electrical installation” means fixed electrical cables or fixed electrical equipment located on the consumer’s side of the electricity supply meter;

“relevant building” means a residential building or any other kind of building that the regulator considers appropriate.