Confidence - Trading Standards Institute

Hove City Council by phone (Tel: 291438) orby e-mail (sam.scott@brighton-hove.gov.uk)She will explain the process and send outapplication forms.Members should be aware that the list is onlyopen to those that have been trading for atleast two years and have audited accounts toprove this.Want to be on the Council’sPreferred Contractors’ list ?Who better to be on the Council’s preferredcontractors’ list than those firms who havebeen through the rigorous vetting processof Trading Standards Buy With ConfidenceScheme. The process that you would need togo through to become a preferred contractoris briefly explained below;The first stage is to contact Sam Scott(Selective Tendering Officer) at Brighton &It is also a requirement that you arecompliant members of the CHAS (ContractorHealth & Safety) scheme, how to become amember is clearly explained on the web sitewww.chas.gov.ukEvery quarter Sam Scott produces a smallworks list - This displays all contractors on theapproved list by category of work that willbe undertaken with contracts between £0- £7,500 in value.Good luck to those who decide to apply.Home Information PacksWith some controversy, Home InformationPacks (HIPs) are now with us. SinceSeptember 2007 most properties marketedfor the first time with more than 3 bedroomsshould have had a HIP commissioned priorto going on the market. From the 14thDecember 2007 all properties will requireone. From January 2008, the HIP must beready and available prior to marketing theproperty.HIPs must contain certain information such asEnergy Performance Certificates, localproperty searches and evidence the sellerhas good continued title to sell overleaf the property. > Othervoluntary information can also be included.Although there are some exemptions, sellersor estate agents are under a duty to providea HIP to a potential buyer if they request it.Trading Standards are responsiblefor ensuring compliance with theserequirements and are able to issue £200penalty charge notices if agents or sellersfail to comply. Another requirement of thenew legislation is that agents marketingproperties requiring HIPs must belong to arecognised redress scheme. Currently thereare two operated by the Ombudsman forEstate Agents and the Royal Institute ofChartered Surveyors. Trading Standards willbe carrying out some work with agents inthe next few months to ensure that agentsunderstand their obligations and HIPs arebeing provided where required.For further information on the requirementsplease ring us for advice or look at www.communities.gov.uk/housing3