News
Brown's public confirmation in support of HIPs
5 July 2007
When Gordon Brown was asked for a public confirmation of his support for HIPs, a positive response was issued from the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary to the Treasury (and second only to Gordon Brown in the old department). In his reply, he stated:
“In your letter you expressed concern over the passage in the Budget Report which stated that “Energy Performance Certificates will be introduced giving all homes at the point of sale an energy efficiency rating”. This statement did not reflect a change in policy on Home Information Packs (HIPs) though subsequently the Government did need to make some adjustments in order to stay the legal proceedings initiated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
You will be aware that the Secretary of State has now laid ‘The Home Information Pack Regulations (No. 2) 2007’ and ‘The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2007’ which implement the changes and transitional provisions she announced on 22 May 2007, as agreed by Cabinet….I apologise for any confusion the Budget Report text may have caused. We look forward to the phased implementation of HIPs from 1 August 2007”
Brown’s cabinet re-shuffle
Yvette Cooper becomes Secretary of State for Housing, which for the first time will have a place around the Cabinet Table. Not only does this signal Gordon Brown’s wish to make housing a priority in his Government, but is also good news for HIPs as there is a good chance of continuity despite the radical shakeup of Ministerial posts!
Brown’s public confirmation in support of HIPs
When Gordon Brown was asked for a public confirmation of his support for HIPs, a positive response was issued from the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary to the Treasury (and second only to Gordon Brown in the old department). In his reply, he stated:
“In your letter you expressed concern over the passage in the Budget Report which stated that “Energy Performance Certificates will be introduced giving all homes at the point of sale an energy efficiency rating”. This statement did not reflect a change in policy on Home Information Packs (HIPs) though subsequently the Government did need to make some adjustments in order to stay the legal proceedings initiated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
You will be aware that the Secretary of State has now laid ‘The Home Information Pack Regulations (No. 2) 2007’ and ‘The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2007’ which implement the changes and transitional provisions she announced on 22 May 2007, as agreed by Cabinet….I apologise for any confusion the Budget Report text may have caused. We look forward to the phased implementation of HIPs from 1 August 2007”
AHIPP’s view on the re-shuffle
“It is particularly encouraging for the HIP program and Industry that Yvette Cooper remains in post as Housing Minister, and will now attend cabinet meetings. The Association is of the view that this will give the Minister more autonomy in the policy area. This is good news as she is of a mind to implement HIPs fully at the earliest possible opportunity”.
AHIPP Newsletter - 29th June
Regulation update
The praying motion in the Commons does not yet have a scheduled debate. There has been no motion brought in the House of Lords to date.
The Conservatives laid down an early day motion to revoke the commencement order for the HIP regulations. This is not unexpected and is fully in line with previous activity.
According to AHIPP, further legal action by RICS is not likely provided the Government keep to the terms of the staying order.
Subsidised HIPs
The Minister has now agreed that the subsidised HIPs can be taken up for properties which are already listed rather than just for new properties (this will be formally announced shortly).
Latest DEA Figures
• 1 595 DEA’s currently qualified.
• 2000 DEAs should be qualified within July.
The Governments requirement to extend to 3 bedroom houses are 2,000 DEA’s, meaning the Industry is on track for the change.
That said, those agents signed to movewithus HIPs, can rest assured that we already have national coverage for EPC supply, so no matter where you are we’ve got you covered.
Ombudsman
The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) is the official accredited company to handle HIP related complaints. RICS and IDRS have also now applied for approval and a decision on whether to approve these applications is expected before August 1st.
If you are not currently a member of the OEA and wish to apply, the OEA is offering a reduced rate for applications received by 5pm on the 31st July. Click here for more information.
Annual Membership fees will be a total of £161.00 per office based on:
Registration Fee - £20.00 plus VAT per office
Membership Fee - £100.00 plus VAT per office
All estate agents are required by law to join an approved redress scheme.
movewithus update
Friday 20th July is the last date to sign up to be guaranteed to be set up to deliver HIPs before launch. If you haven’t already signed up please speak to your BDM or alternatively call the HIP support team on 0870 429 9172 or email [email protected].
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