Be prepared
Home Information Packs
are coming…

Issue 15

http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

PROGRESS TOWARDS HIPs IMPLEMENTATION FROM 1 AUGUST

The purpose of this bulletin is to bring you up-to-date with the latest HIPs news,with further information availableon the Home Information Packs website.

Joint letter with the OEA on redress

Estate agents who have not yet registered with an approved redress scheme willreceive a letter next week from the OEA outlining the 11 June announcement onthe revised HIPs regulations. It highlights important information contained in theHIPs implementation update and clarifies the HIPs redress arrangements from 1August. If you are already an OEA member, you will receive an email on theseupdates.

For convenience, a summary of the revised regulations and implementationarrangements announced on 11 June is set out below:- from 1 August, 4 bedroom and larger properties will require a HIP- we expect that in order to meet the criteria for 3-bedroom homes it will benecessary to have 2000 fully qualified HIs and DEAs in place. Based on currentevidence, to cover the remainder of properties, we would expect to need a totalof 3000 fully qualified and accredited HIs and DEAs in place. We believe these areprudent figures that will ensure the smoothest possible transition in the market- properties marketed between 1 June and 31 July do not need a HIP on 1 August- the ability to market without a HIP, provided the HIP has been commissioned -the First Day Marketing” principle - will apply until 31 December 2007. Once theEPC has been received, a HIP will have to be provided to potential buyers- the obligation to include “fridge rating” charts for energy efficiency andenvironmental impact in estate agents’ particulars will apply as soon as an EPCbecomes available- the maximum age of an EPC is 12 months subject to the consultation conductedduring the summer.

Update on the EPC pilot reminder for the closing date

CLG is supporting on a 50/50 cost basis pilots for the production of EPCs on socialhousing stock over the next few months.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is Friday 29 June 2007. For more information please email homeinfopacks@communities.gsi.gov.uk and makesure your subject heading in the email is marked Social housing project

Alongside the pilots, the Department will be evaluating the results from theprojects. This will feed into implementation plans and best practice guidance forthe introduction of EPCs for social housing in October 2008.

For Panels or assessors interested in being involved, please click here. You canalso visit the Housing Corporation (insert link) website for more information. Theywill be running similar pilots for RSLs.

Lords SI Merits Committee 2nd Report on HIPs Regulations published

The Committee on the Merits of Statutory Instruments met on Tuesday 19 June toconsider the Home Information Pack (No.2) Regulations 2007 and the EnergyPerformance of Buildings (amending) Regulations 2007. They published theirreport yesterday. The Committee was supportive of the efforts made by theDepartment to respond to concerns both in and outside Parliament in relation toHIPs, and the opportunity given for further Parliamentary scrutiny. They alsowelcomed the response to stakeholders in relation to the EPC consultation.The Committee’s report is available here: http://www.homeinformationpack.gov.uk/industry/141_Other_publications.html

Overview of previous e-alerts sent to you

Since Issue 13 of PROGRESS sent to you on 17 May 2007, you will have receivedthree e-alerts detailing the changes affecting the implementation of HIPs.On 22 May, an e-alert was sent to you detailing Communities Secretary Ruth Kellys statement to the House of Commons on the implementation of HIPs andEPCs. To read the press notice, Ministerial statement and updated Q&A go to http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer/100_pressrelease25May.htm

On 25 May, a further e-alert was sent to you following the announcement on 22 May by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly. Click on the link below to read the letterfrom CLG to Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors providing further informationon the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy PerformanceCertificates from 1 August. The letter was sent to Energy Assessors, HomeInspectors and trainees, via accreditation schemes and training bodies. http://www.homeinformationpack.gov.uk/industry/137_pubregulations.html

On 11 June, an e-alert was sent to you which provided a link to Issue 14 ofPROGRESS. Issue 14 included the following:The letter and implementation update to energy assessors and home inspectorsRevised Regulations for HIPs and amending Regulations for EPBDImpact Assessment (IA) for HIPs and supplementary IA for EPBDExplanatory memoranda for HIPs and EPBD: http://www.homeinformationpack.gov.uk/industry/160_Newsletter.html

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