Electrical testing of council homes

Frequently asked questions

To help explain more about this programme of work we have set out some questions and answers.

Am I and my family safe in our home?

We are doing everything possible to help keep our buildings safe and secure. We know this announcement may cause some concern, but residents should carry on as usual, taking the same care when using electrical appliances as is normal. If you have any concerns about electrical safety in your home, please contact us and one our team can speak to you and arrange a visit if required.
When can I expect to have my household tested?

We are looking to complete our outstanding electrical safety tests as soon as possible. We are developing a clear timeline and criteria for prioritising our testing programme so that tenants are better aware of timescales. However, in the meantime, if you have concerns about electrical safety in your home, please contact us and one of our team can speak to you and arrange an in-person or virtual visit if required.
How is the council going to prioritise which buildings get tested first?

Details of the programme will be published on our website in due course and we will be writing to council tenants and leaseholders to explain what happens next and when to expect their properties will be tested.
Can I pay for an independent certificated electrician to carry out the test?

As your landlord, Southwark is committed to ensuring that your homes, blocks and estates are safe. There is no cause to arrange your own inspection. We will ensure that all properties are checked as quickly as possible but if you are worried let us know and we can arrange an inspection of your home urgently.
How can I get in touch to find out more?
To help inform tenants we have set up:
- a dedicated number to speak to a council officer about electrical safety, and where necessary to book an appointment: 020 7525 5999.
- a dedicated email address: electrical.testing@southwark.gov.uk
- a WhatsApp channel
What is the RSH?

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) regulates for a viable, efficient, and well governed social housing sector, able to deliver quality homes and services for current and future tenants. Find further information about the RSH
Why is it necessary to carry out these tests?

In July 2023 it became a legal requirement for social rent landlords, including councils, to carry out electrical safety checks, known as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), on all properties they own or manage, including council homes.

Part 1Electrical testing of council homes

Page last updated: 18 June 2024

Name	Cookie purpose description	Provider	Expiry
CookieNotice	Used to hold the selections you make as to which cookies you allow from the site.	southwark.gov.uk	6 months
Bridge.Auth	used to hold authentication information	southwark.gov.uk	Session
ASP.NET_SessionId	used to hold session information	southwark.gov.uk	Session
ProcessDisplayOptionsActionFilter.Pref	This cookie is used to remember display settings for colour contrast and font sizes set by the user in the accessibility options panel.	southwark.gov.uk	30 days
visid_incap_#	Preserves users states across page requests.	southwark.gov.uk	1 year
incap_ses_#	Preserves users states across page requests.	southwark.gov.uk	Session
AWSELBCORS	Used to distribute traffic to the website on several servers in order to optimise response times.	www.servmetric.com	5 minutes
local_storage_support_test	The cookie is used in context with the local-storage function in the browser. This function allows the web site to load faster by pre-loading certain procedures.	twitter.com	Persistent
CalloutDisplay	This cookie is used to record what callouts have been dismissed during a session to ensure they do not re-appear.	southwark.gov.uk	Session
ApplicationGatewayAffinityCORS	Essential cookie used for web server load balancing	southwark.gov.uk	session
ApplicationGatewayAffinity	Essential cookie for web server load balancing	southwark.gov.uk	session

Name	Cookie purpose description	Provider	Expiry
___utmvc#	Collects information on visitor behaviour on multiple websites. This information is used on the website, in order to optimise the relevance of advertisement.	southwark.gov.uk	1 day
r/collect	This cookie is used to send data to Google Analytics about the visitor's device and behaviour. It tracks the visitor across devices and marketing channels.	google-analytics.com	Session

Name	Cookie purpose description	Provider	Expiry
_dc_gtm_UA-#	Used by Google Tag Manager to control the loading of a Google Analytics script tag.	google-analytics.com	1 day
_ga	Registers a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website.	google-analytics.com	2 years
collect	Used to send data to Google Analytics about the visitor's device and behaviour. Tracks the visitor across devices and marketing channels.	google-analytics.com	Session
_gid	Registers a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website.	southwark.gov.uk	1 day

Electrical testing of council homes

Frequently asked questions

Cookies policy

Review your privacy settings