Thursday 29th November 2007
There is a lack of work available for domestic energy assessors (DEAs), the qualified professionals who must compile energy performance certificates (EPCs) for inclusion in home information packs (Hips), it has emerged.
David Thompson of the Institute of Domestic Energy Assessors recently told the BBC that there is a "quite clear" distinction between the number of DEAs which the government predicted would be required and the amount of work currently available.
"There are far too many people now qualified to become home inspectors and energy assessors compared to the governments statistics of what they need," he contended.
His comments come ahead of the December 14th rollout of Hips to the remainder of the housing market, as revealed by Communities and Local Government.
Previously, only homes with three or more bedrooms have required a Hip to be obtained, at a cost of between £300 and £350 on average.
But from mid-December the remaining 40 per cent of the UK housing market also becomes subject to the legislation - with the EPC a core part of the packs for all properties.
Housing minister Yvette Cooper explains: "EPCs are already helping consumers to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills and are cutting search costs too."
Moreover, properties which rate poorly on the certificate - receiving a grade of F or G - are to be given financial assistance to implement energy efficiency upgrades before being sold.
The government predicted ahead of the June introduction of Hips that an additional 3,000 to 4,000 DEAs would be required.
But interest rate rises, the credit crunch and consumer resistance to the packs have combined to reduce the number of properties coming on to the market - which could have reduced the amount of work available to newly-qualified DEAs.
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