Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 Explanatory Notes

Section 281 - Authorised assessors

807.This section ensures that assessments of sustainability for residential properties are carried out only by authorised assessors. The appropriate national authority must by regulations specify who are to be authorised assessors, and may make further provision about them (subsections (1), (2) and (3)).

808.Regulations may specify that authorised assessors be accredited under an accreditation scheme established or approved by the appropriate national authority, and may provide for the charging of fees under accreditation schemes (subsections (4), (5) and (6)).

809.Regulations concerning accreditation schemes must require the appropriate national authority to be satisfied that any scheme approved contains adequate provision for -

  • ensuring that members of the scheme are fit and proper persons who are qualified to carry out assessments;

  • ensuring that a code of conduct for members of the scheme is maintained and published;

  • ensuring that members of the scheme have suitable indemnity insurance;

  • facilitating the resolution of complaints against members;

  • requiring certificates issued by members to be entered into the register of certificates (see paragraph on Section 282)

  • keeping a public register of members of the scheme; and

  • such other purposes as may be specified in the regulations (subsections (7) and (8)).

810.Regulations may also provide for accreditation schemes to contain provision about certificates and other documents within the scope of the scheme including the terms on which they may be provided (subsection (9)).

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