A General Election is on the horizon. From compliance to water scarcity, there are some pressing issues whoever forms the next Government urgently needs to tackle – BMA CEO Tom Reynolds sums them up.
The starting gun has fired. Rishi Sunak has called a General Election, and now we brace for 6 weeks of campaign chaos culminating in polling day on 4th July. Amid the barrage of politicking and mudslinging, one thing is glaringly obvious: whoever wins needs to get their act together on the essentials of everyday life. And that means taking the priorities of admittedly niche organisations like the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) seriously.
Let's cut to the chase. The bathroom sector isn't going to grab as many headlines as automotive, fintech or the creative industries, but it's bloody essential. The humble loo has done more for public health than any politician ever will. During lockdowns, our bathrooms became sanctuaries, and public washrooms are the unsung heroes of our social infrastructure. It’s high time policymakers stop ignoring this vital industry (I know I’m biased).
First up, regulations. They're a tangled mess. WCs are regulated under both the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and the Construction Products Regulation. At times, it’s as if Governments are trying to see how many bureaucratic hoops manufacturers can jump through before they give up and go home. The solution? Simplify. Remove WCs from the Construction Products Regulation and make it straightforward for manufacturers to comply.
Next, we need real enforcement. Right now, it's illegal to install non-compliant products, but nothing is stopping the shady side of the sector from selling them. The next Government must impose a legal duty on retailers to ensure compliance and crank up enforcement efforts. Let's hit the rule-breakers where it hurts – with sky-high financial penalties.
And for heaven's sake, let's protect our most vulnerable from scalding incidents. It’s a national disgrace that around 20 people die every year from scald-related incidents. The elderly and young children are particularly at risk. Mandating thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) for mixer showers and bath fills is a no-brainer. It’s a simple measure that will save lives and NHS money.
Then, there’s the professionalisation of the plumbing trade. Anyone can claim to be a plumber or bathroom installer, leading to a Wild West of rogue operators. We need statutory licensing for plumbers and mandatory CPD for installers. It’s time we ensured that those fiddling with our water systems know what they're doing.
Water efficiency is another pressing issue. The UK's water system is creaking under the pressure of a growing population and ageing infrastructure. The statutory target to reduce water use by 20% by 2038 is laudable, but it won’t happen by itself. We must back the Unified Water Label and stop leaky loos with updated standards. Plus, let’s get recirculating showers approved and bring fittings enforcement up to date. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential for a sustainable future.
Public awareness campaigns are critical, too. Most Brits think we have plenty of water, but they're wrong. Water scarcity is a real threat. We need a national campaign to hammer home the reality of our water situation and incentivise retrofits for water-efficient fittings. Also, boost the minimum water pressure to 3 bar to help reduce water consumption without frustrating homeowners with dribbly showers.
The path to net zero is non-negotiable. Decarbonising hot water production and ramping up retrofitting are crucial steps. Lastly, can we please get some support for smaller sectors like the bathroom industry in export markets? The BMA's members are crying out for help breaking into lucrative markets like the US. Level the playing field with favourite industries like fashion and food and let them shine.
This election is a golden opportunity for politicians to show they can focus on the nuanced issues that matter. So, whoever wins, after they’re done on the campaign trail, let’s focus on the small stuff that makes a big difference, including the vital social role our bathrooms play. The next Government has a clear path laid out by the BMA. It’s time they took it.
Before the election was called BMA supplied its priorities for the next Government, ‘Tap into Tomorrow’, to all major parties.
