Freezing as British Gas Take 11+ Days For Repairs

CakeEatsDog

Hey good people,

Recently, me and my elderly mother had our heating go on the blitz, including some water leakage below the boiler. In trying to contact BG, we are defaulted continually to automated services. Presumably there is disruption in service due to pending strike action.

I'm unable to find whether we are eligible to get an independent tradesperson in, and be covered still by British Gas? Or if there is any way around this absurd, potentially dangerous and unhealthy situation?

Thanks in advance

tastyhog

Short answer, no, unless they've specifically quoted a time frame for repairs when you took out your policy, which is highly unlikely. 

If you were a tenant the landlord would have to make alternative arrangements for you, be that standalone heaters or getting an independent person in to do the repairs within a reasonable time, or putting you up in alternative accommodation etc

Presumably you're owner occupiers, then it's all down to what you want to shell out for your own comfort. 

niktheguru

CakeEatsDog said:

Hey good people,

Recently, me and my elderly mother had our heating go on the blitz, including some water leakage below the boiler. In trying to contact BG, we are defaulted continually to automated services. Presumably there is disruption in service due to pending strike action.

I'm unable to find whether we are eligible to get an independent tradesperson in, and be covered still by British Gas? Or if there is any way around this absurd, potentially dangerous and unhealthy situation?

Thanks in advance

I take it you are talking about a home are agreement with British Gas. Do you have an online account with them? If not, make one. You can order an appointment for a repair directly from that. Having looked at my account the next appointment is in 5 days, which is hardly ideal I agree. But if you can’t even get through to them, try online,

CakeEatsDog

Thanks niktheguru, the appointment was booked online, at earliest opportunity.
I wonder if there is much hope in monitoring the booking schedule, and expecting a slot to open up? I doubt it, I suppose, but seems I'm without much recourse, short of funds for a local tradesperson.

*mournfully tea-sips and shivers from within his icy abyss*

milgo

Whilst you have an appointment booked, I think that it is always worthwhile persisting trying to get through on the phone to speak to an agent to ask them if anything sooner is available (possibly a cancellation in your area).  You have nothing to lose!

niktheguru

Have to agree with milgo here. Try calling them and explaining you are extremely cold and have an elderly mother. They may be able to get someone in sooner.

greyteam1959

Make sure, if you have not already done so, that your elderly mother is registered with them as 'vulnerable'.
It may speed things up.

CakeEatsDog

Was able to sit on the booking page, several times throughout the day, and finally nabbed an appointment for Saturday.

Really do appreciate anyone who responded in good faith, thanks again.
Have a good weekend, and look after yourselves.