Minister: ‘We’re still considering RoPA’… three years after it was published
Propertymark hopes that Eddie Hughes' relatively non-committal comments in parliament are a sign RoPA is still on the political agenda.
Comments in parliament by housing minister Eddie Hughes that the government is still ‘considering the recommendations of the RoPA report’ despite three years having passed since Lord Best’s Working Group’s recommendations were published have prompted Propertymark to once again back its findings.
Its recommendations include a single ‘code of practice’; an overarching regulator; minimum levels of qualifications to work within the sector and compulsory licensing for estate agencies.
Hughes was responding to a written question from MP Matthew Offord, who pressed him to reveal when the RoPA recommendations for agents would be acted on by the government.
Propertymark is hoping that the Minister’s relatively non-committal comments are a sign that RoPA is still alive, even though industry sentiment considers it be ‘kicked into the long grass’.
Hughes’ response outlined how the government ‘welcomes the ongoing work being undertaken by the industry to raise professionalism and standards across the sector, including on potential codes of practice for property agents, and continue to engage with industry on this’.
Political appetite
“There is political appetite for the UK Government to respond to the RoPA report and implement its recommendations,” says Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark (pictured).
“The property sector is going through significant change with legislation impacting leaseholders, economic crime and the purchasing of property from overseas buyers, proposals to reform private renting and new building and fire safety requirements.
“These changes are important but without regulating and driving up standards for sales, lettings and managing agents who will implement these rules and work with consumers often at the start of their home buying and renting journey, the UK Government risk only doing half a job when it comes to levelling up the housing market.”
We as a company have just signed with The Able Agent and are excited to start their program.
From my conversations with the team in the Levelling Up department in my capacity as Director of The Able Agent, it is absolutely still being considered. No timescale was ever given so there is no “long grass”. It was never guaranteed but there is definitely sentiment for it to happen. The when is still unclear. As it is primary legislation they need resource to do it. Would I worry about it at the moment and do qualifications to “tick this box” NO. Would I consider qualifications that help my team gain legal knowledge and confidence enabling them to spot and win more business at higher fees as part of a commercially driven training program – in this market YES.
Training has to be a key focus as future proofing your skills for the market coming is essential.