Government figures reported there are now 1,999 assessors, made up of 1,321 domestic energy assessors and 678 home inspectors – one short of the 2,000 required by the government to implement HIPs to three as well as four-bed homes.
AHIPP said Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper, should lay down the commencement order, which is necessary to extend mandatory HIPs to three-bed homes, before parliament goes into recess.
Mike Ockenden, director-general of AHIPP, said: “We are now just one energy assessor away from meeting the 2,000 target that will allow HIPs to be extended to three-bed homes.
“I would urge the Minister to lay down the commencement order to allow HIPs for three-bed properties to go live on 1 September – one month after their introduction on homes with four bedrooms or more. At the present rate of progress the remainder of the housing stock should follow soon after.”
Neil Johnson, PR & policy manager at the Building Societies Association, said: “The government must ensure everything is in place for implementation. It has to be careful that the market can move with it and avoid further embarrassment.”
catch up on the industry buzz
find the latest industry jobs
