Housing Improvement Task Force

I can now advise you that training for the single survey is about to get underway. Training will take place between 26 April and 27 May and it is hoped that the pilot will start on 1 June. This date is still not confirmed but the Executive are working towards it.

From 5 April solicitors can register on the internet for the pilot and for training. In order to participate in the pilot, selling agents and solicitors in the pilot areas have to be registered online, by completing the form available at www.ssp.communitiesscotland.gov.uk. The Executive will use the contact details supplied to email a password and logging-on information. In addition the Executive are running a series of free 90-minute awareness seminars. Each one will include a session from Communities Scotland’s single survey pilot team, outlining the concept and explaining what it means for buyers and sellers of properties and there will also be a session from Arneil Johnston about how to use the web-based system. The box shows the seminars arranged for each area so that you can pick the best one for you. Surveyors will also be registering for training sessions through the RICS.

The main issue that has had to be ironed out between the Executive and RICS is that of the transfer of the surveyor’s liability to the successful purchaser and lender. There have been a series of meetings to discuss this important point.

As far as the profession is concerned I should stress that the Conveyancing Committee and indeed the Society’s position has always been that it is essential that members engage with the pilot process. It is only by taking an active part in the process that we can see whether there are any difficulties with the single survey and ensure that these are ironed out if and when the Executive decides to go ahead with the single survey on a permanent and national basis. It is also essential that members engage with the evaluation process in the pilot and provide the necessary post-transaction information. Without this, the results will be worthless.

The design of the survey product is now virtually complete. It is unlikely to include hidden defects insurance (HDI). This is because of the rigorous and costly process that would have to be gone through to satisfy any insurer about the survey product itself, and the extra training for surveyors which would be required.

The Executive also intend to set up local support groups to enable participants in the pilot areas to discuss their experiences of the single survey with the project team. In addition, if you have any questions or queries about the single survey pilot you can contact the area project co-ordinators:

Dundee and Glasgow North and West areas – Duncan Kerr on 0131 479 5218 or at kerrd@communitiesscotland.gov.uk;

Edinburgh North and Leith and Inverness areas – Roy Symon on 0131 479 5341 or at symonr@communitiesscotland.gov.uk.

Finally, you should have received the first two issues of Pilot, the Executive’s newsletter. The second issue includes details of the single survey’s key features, information about the local support groups, information about how buyers and sellers will benefit from the single survey and also confirmation of the training sessions and how you can register online. The Executive is also working on leaflets for the general public. RICS has also prepared their own explanatory leaflet for consumers and it is anticipated that this will be made available through solicitors, estate agents and property centres.

Once again I would refer you for further detailed information to the Steering Group website at www.scotland.gov.uk/sssg. You can also contact me at the Society if you wish to discuss any aspects of this in detail (tel 0131 476 8174; email linseylewin@lawscot.org.uk).

Linsey Lewin, Secretary, Conveyancing Committee