News
23rd May 2007
Draft Regulations for HIPs
As you will be aware, Ruth Kelly made an announcement yesterday regarding the delay of HIP implementation, due to a concern that there will be a lack of qualified DEA's ready for 1st June.HIP's and EPC's will now be implemented on a phased basis from August 1st. The packs (including energy performance certificates) will, at first, be required on four-bedroom properties and larger, with packs for the smaller properties becoming compulsory in the second phase.
This second phase is likely to commence soon after 1st August because it is clear Ruth Kelly had concerns that not enough DEA's would be ready and certified by 1 June and she has explained that as they become available she will speedily re-introduce the rest of the market place i.e. houses with less than 4 bedrooms.
The minister also said that until the end of the year vendors can market their properties as soon as they have commissioned a HIP, as opposed to having to wait until the pack has been received.
The announchement is positive because it proves the Government is serious about bringing HIPs in, making sure all of the necessary processes are in place and that enough Domestic Energy Assessors are qualified in time. If HIPs were to be abandoned then yesterday would have been the ideal time to announce this.
OpenBook would like to assure everyone that HIPs are here to stay!