FOI Request - Heating Control Service Interval Systems
Request 101004001975
I request the following information relating to heating controllers and service interval timer functionality installed within Moray Council housing stock.
1. The approximate number of Council properties currently fitted with heating controllers/timeclocks incorporating a “service interval” reminder or shutdown feature.
2. Whether the service interval functionality is activated in all such properties.
3. The make and model(s) currently used.
4. Any policy, guidance, procedure, specification, procurement document, or internal instruction relating to the use of service interval timers within Council housing.
5. Any equality impact assessment, accessibility assessment, or consideration of disabled tenants undertaken before or during implementation of these systems.
6. Any records, reports, audits, statistics, or internal analysis showing:
(a) how often tenants contact the Council after a service interval warning appears;
(b) how often boilers enter shutdown or restricted mode because of expired service intervals;
(c) whether the Council considers the timer system to have improved gas servicing compliance rates.
7. Any documents recording consideration of alternative heating controls with larger or more accessible displays/interfaces, including models assessed and reasons for acceptance or rejection.
8. Confirmation of whether Moray Council centrally manages annual gas servicing schedules through administrative systems independent of the tenant-operated heating controller.
9. The number of properties, if any, where alternative or non-standard heating controls have been installed due to disability, vulnerability, or accessibility needs.
Response 16-06-2026
1. Approximately 4900.
2. Yes, set as standard.
3. Horstman S27,danfoss FP SI.
4. We confirm that the controller is installed as part of our gas servicing arrangements, its function is to provide warning of when a gas service is due and prevent operation of the heating system where an annual service has not been completed within a 12 month period. The purpose of this approach is to support compliance with the Council’s legal duty to carry out annual gas safety checks and reduce the risk of gas appliances being used without appropriate inspection. Gas safety obligations are strict and the controller is intended to protect tenants from potentially serious risks, including carbon monoxide exposure.
Further information is available here:
• Gas Safety - Moray Council - http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_44659.html
• Gas Appliance servicing monitor Tenant leaflet - http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file101765.pdf
Furthermore, section 9.0 of an internal Council procedure: Gas Safety Management Procedure, (previously provided) stipulates:
Installation of a gas programmer
9.10 As soon as possible following fitting of a new gas programmer, the Asset Manager will make sure that the Asset Admin :-
amend the iWorld Property Element HGSMP to show that a gas programmer has been fitted; and
arrange for the DLO Scheduler to add the gas programmer as an appliance on the GSMSystem.
9.11 The DLO Clerical Assistant will run a report twice weekly, which will identify transfer tenants who have gas at their property. They will:
• check the GSMSystem to establish if the tenant has a gas programmer;
• identify the address that they tenant is transferring to; and
• forward the information to the DLO Schedulers who will organise the fitting of a gas programmer at the new property.
5. Typically, disability requirements are brought to us through the tenants OT and are actioned accordingly. Lots of heating systems are installed during the property being void. The requirement for alternative time clocks could be discussed with the heating surveyor before work starts or with the installation engineers during the install.
6. a) Not held - Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.
b) Not held - S.17
c) The system has helped to ensure a consistently high level of compliance, which is evidenced by our housing performance which can be accessed here:
Statistical information charter data all social landlords
Statistical information | Scottish Housing Regulator - https://www.housingregulator.gov.scot/landlord-performance/statistical-information/
Housing Performance - Moray Council - http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_101335.html
HP Annual performance report 2024/25 - moray.gov.uk/downloads/file151702.pdf
7. Any such alternative heating control requirements would be dealt with the tenants’ OT, since they are specifically trained to assess the needs and additional requirements of the tenant . We would always be guided by trained personnel on how to best accommodate the needs of the tenant and install any apparatus that has been recommended.
8. The management of annual gas servicing is completely independent of the service interval timer.
9. One