Housing minister Yvette Cooper has announced that the government is proceeding with the ‘dry run’ of its new home information packs next year in England and Wales.

Cooper announced at the end of last month that the government has secured industry agreement on a 2006 trial for the packs.

She also announced that the government is considering the establishment of a not for profit company, predominantly owned by industry, to run the HIP certification scheme

The company is expected to be established in shadow form once the operating criteria are agreed with the industry later this year. The scheme is likely to develop and oversee the standards governing the Home Condition Reports and the accreditation of home inspectors who will prepare them.

Draft regulations covering the legal content of the packs will be published shortly.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper also announced at the end of last month that the ODPM has endorsed the Awarding Body for the Built Environment's (ABBE) Diploma in Home Inspection, which has also been approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

Work will continue on the programme, in partnership with key players, during the summer months and further update will be given in the autumn. From this month, it will be possible to register for a personal copy of ODPM's HIP electronic newsletter.

Source : RICS