HIPS petition offers no threat

Mike Ockenden, Director General for the Association of Home Information Pack Providers comments on the recent HIPs petition launched by the NAEA:

“While we are aware of the recent HIPs petition, which NAEA President Charles Smailes has posted on the Prime Minister’s website, we do not see this in any way as a threat to successful the implementation of HIPs, which will happen on the 1st June this year.

“Despite the petition, we are delighted to see, that while the NAEA keep their public opposition to HIPs alive, they are in fact taking a sensible and pragmatic approach to the fact that HIPs are happening.

“Back in November we publicly welcomed the launch of the NAEA’s HIPs courses which aim to prepare estate agents for the packs and we have been delighted to hear that they are intending to apply to become an awarding body for the Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) qualification.

“In addition, the NAEA, along with ourselves and RICS are currently in the process of producing an in-depth implementation guide for HIPs, which we plan to make publicly available in the near future.

“While we understand that the NAEA feels compelled to continue its public campaign against HIPs, we are confident that they, along with the rest of the industry are now facing the reality that as of the 1st June, HIPs are happening and that it is in the best interest of both their members and the consumer to ensure that the industry is ready.”