'One more assessor' needed for Hips
Published on : 18/07/2007
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Just one more energy assessor is needed to make Home Information Packs (Hips) a reality for homes with three bedrooms or more, a new report states.
Figures from the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) show that there are currently around 1,321 domestic energy assessors (DEAs) and 678 fully registered home inspectors, taking the current total up to 1,999 - just one short of the 2,000 assessors the government required to ensure the successful implementation of Hips for three or more bedroom properties.
The assessors should be ready to produce the Energy Performance Certificates required in Hips.
"Industry has remained committed to the successful implementation of Hips and has clearly been successful in working towards the targets set out by government," Mike Ockenden, director general of the AHIPP, commented.
"We are now just one energy assessor away from meeting the 2,000 target that will allow Hips to be extended to three bedroom homes
"I would urge [housing minister Yvette Cooper] to lay down the commencement order next week to allow Hips for three bedroom properties to go live on September 1st - exactly one month after Hips will be mandatory for homes with four bedrooms or more.
"At the present rate of progress the remainder of the housing stock should follow soon after."
The government announced plans for the phased implementation of Hips - starting for houses with four or more bedrooms on August 1st.
