Rising costs to consumers unnecessary

Moves to require competence-based licensing in the plumbing and drainlaying industry will hit consumers hard in the pocket, says National’s Consumer Affairs spokeswoman, Sandra Goudie.

Ms Goudie is commenting on changes in legislation that have extended the powers of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, requiring plumbers and drainlayers to upskill regularly so they can continue to hold a licence.

Gasfitters have had to comply with the new requirements since last year.

“These added costs are already being reflected in higher charge-out rates and the same will follow for plumbers and drainlayers,” says Ms Goudie.

The former chairman of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, Harold Thomas, says the competence-based licensing system places excessive and unnecessary costs on the industry, which will be passed on to consumers.

“Existing audit systems to monitor standards in the industry are already sufficient, and the need for competence-based licensing systems is unproven.

“The industry is sending a clear message: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” says Ms Goudie.

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