It seems you are faced with the prospect of sudden price increases as the current ACS 2003 deadline approaches. It might be true. It may simply be bullying to encourage you to book early. Either way anyone who does that is a cowboy entrepreneur in our book and will be named and shamed permanently in our Issues Section.

Please gather any proof you can of any cowboy entrepreneurs trying to take advantage and cash in on a last minute rush. We will then take the necessary action and inform, their accreditation body, OFT, DTI and BBC Watchdog.

We have no evidence there will be any last minute rush. Indeed the opposite may be true and it is they who are worried. No one really knows what the as yet undecided voters will do. However regainuk recently received a letter (snail mail) concerning a meeting of Installers somewhere in the North West. Their mood is certainly ugly and they are determined not to proceed with ACS. You must each make your own decision and we would never suggest how you should proceed.

I once said I was not sure if I would renew all ACS elements. Well in fact I am in the process of renewing all domestic natural gas elements. However that will never be translated into availability for work unless the work concerned promises a dignified income. That much is guaranteed and of course has always been applied anyway as many will know.

We can say there is nothing at all to fear about ACS if that is what is holding you back. Speaking only for myself I enjoyed, as others have, a substantial reduction in fees at North Trafford College, which encouraged me to adopt more elements than I would otherwise have done. Reassurance is manifestly a constant and tangible thread throughout training. You can taste it. Much work has obviously taken place behind the scenes on that important point.

Yes the system is in a mess but that is the fault of the authorities not ours or the training providers. The authorities are entirely culpable. Remember we had no say in it and still do not have any voice on the current Fundamental Review of Gas Safety.

We should not suffer for their incompetence. We recognise that trading providers need to enjoy continuity of work so they can plan ahead. Don’t forget the trainers are real people with homes and families and also have a right to reasonable employment prospects.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any proof of cowboy entrepreneurs or uncompetitive practices and we will launch the attack immediately.