Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S7W-00543 · Session 7

Further to the publication in June 2019 of the research paper, The Regulation of electricians in Scotland, whether it has commenced work on…

Answered Asked by David Barratt SNP Lodged 26 May 2026

The question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the publication in June 2019 of the research paper, The Regulation of electricians in Scotland, whether it has commenced work on any of the four recommended steps detailed in the report's section 6, "Business Case".

The answer

Answered by Hannah Mary Goodlad on 10 Jun 2026 · 15 days after it was lodged, on time

Scottish Government agrees that anyone carrying out electrical work should be appropriately qualified. However, the regulation of electricians is complex.The Scotland Act reserves the regulation of the sale of goods and services and consumer protection to the UK Parliament. This means that Scottish Parliament may not have the devolved competence to legislate in this area.Scottish Government has previously considered the regulation of electricians further to the advice of the Electricians Working Group. However, there are no plans to re-establish the group or legislate at this time. We will keep our position under review and continue in the meantime to invest in consumer advice and advocacy services.We would urge consumers to always use trusted websites when contracting a tradesperson to carry out work, including:Trading Standards Trusted Trader website: Learn about Trading Standards Trusted TraderElectrical Safety First website: Electricians Scotland | Electrical Safety FirstElectrical Competent Person website: HomeSELECT website Home

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-00543 by reference.