AHIPP reassures consumers, environmentalists and industry on the future of HIPS

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has today indicated their disappointment in the latest statement, released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), indicating that they plan to commence judicial review proceedings against the Communities and Local Government department.

In spite of this latest action from RICS, AHIPP has offered its reassurance to consumers that HIPs will still go ahead, as planned on the 1st June this year, and that they will quickly benefit from the many positive elements that the packs will bring.

For all of those concerned about climate change, the introduction of HIPs will not only help to greatly improve the house buying and selling process, but will include an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which will play a pivotal role in improving the energy efficiency of our homes and as a result, significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Further reassurance has also been offered to environmentalists, pack providers and those individuals who have undertaken their training and are due to commence a career as a Home Inspector or Domestic Energy Assessor.

Mike Ockenden Director General, AHIPP said: “It is difficult to understand why RICS has taken this latest step against HIPs when they are in the process of training both Home Inspectors and DEAs and in addition, play a prominent role within the HIPs industry, as a certification scheme.

“I would further question why they are now planning to spend their own member’s money on pursuing an avenue which appears to go against the interests of so many of their membership.

“However, those who have trained or are currently training to become Home Inspectors or Domestic Energy Assessors should not be concerned, this latest move will not impact on their future training or their future career progression within the HIPs industry.”