Home Office Petition – theft of metalPlease find a link to a Home Office petition which I would encourage you to look at. As you will be aware, metal theft is a significant and increasing problem in the UK. Historically the scrap metal trade has been a cash in hand industry; which creates difficulties as there is no audit trail, making identification of individuals who may be trading stolen metal or who may be committing tax or benefits fraud, a difficult proposition. An amendment to the Scrap Metal Merchants Act 1964 to prohibit cash transactions would make payment by cheque or directly into a bank account mandatory and would be a significant component in reducing metal theft. Please forward this petition to anyone who you think might be interested. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 – gas beaconsPlease see below an internal underwriting instruction concerning the use of gas beacons on churches and cathedrals which has been circulated to our Insurance Consultants and Surveyors, Risk Control Surveyors and Underwriters. I thought it would be useful for you to see it. I hope you will understand the reasons behind our approach. “The Queen ascended to the throne in February 1952 following the death of her father King George VI. She will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. There has been discussion in the press and elsewhere on appropriate ways to celebrate this remarkable achievement next year. One suggestion made is for gas beacons to be lit on church and cathedral towers across the country. There would be major consequences in the event of an accidental fire, as there would be a serious risk of an explosion of the gas cylinders. The Fire and Rescue Services would have restricted access to tackle any fire and due to the explosion risk would be especially careful before risking the lives of their personnel. If the fire was not contained and the gas cylinders exploded, there would be a significant risk of major structural damage to the church or cathedral and also potentially to surrounding property. Injuries to people supervising the beacons, people watching, or even passers-by could also be serious. Due to these risks we will not provide insurance cover for property damage or Public Liability for churches or cathedral buildings where these beacons are used. We have explained our position to the Church Buildings Council of the Church of England. Any requests for insurance cover in connection with the use of these beacons must therefore be declined.” This information has also been sent to your Archdeacons.
Michael Angell |