New department responsible for HIPs

Responding to the news, Chief Executive of home inspectors.co.uk, Stephen Callaghan said:

"Of the 7,500 home inspectors that will be required to service the massive new demand created by the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs), around 3,500-4,000 are currently going through training or assessment. Our own organisation, home inspectors.co.uk is a key part of this activity as we currently have a trainee/student pipeline of those going though our training programmes of around 600 surveyors and new entrants. The changes to the ODPM structure have been eagerly anticipated and the announcement is weclomed. Crucially, Yvette Cooper continues as Housing Minister responsible for the implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs), and so in effect this is business as usual for those aspiring to become home inspectors."

Here is an extract from the new website, with links.

DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Number 10 Downing Street has announced the creation of a new Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) under Ruth Kelly's leadership.

DCLG will be the successor department to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). It is an expanded department with a powerful new remit to promote community cohesion and equality, as well as responsibility for housing, urban regeneration, planning and local government. DCLG will be much better placed to deliver on this important remit.

It will unite the communities and civic renewal functions previously undertaken by the Home Office, with responsibility for regeneration, neighbourhood renewal and local government (previously held by the ODPM).

It will bring together responsibility for equality policy, including policy on race, faith, gender and sexual orientation. These functions were previously split between several government departments. The Women and Equality Unit moves to DCLG from DTI . DCLG will also be the sponsor department for the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

Ruth Kelly has also been appointed Cabinet Minister for Women.

Further information follow this link:

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1122595