PCCB cancels Registration of Search and HIP Provider

Press release: 29 October 2008

The PCCB today cancelled the registration of Consearch as a subscriber to the Search and HIP Codes of Practice for failure to comply with PCCB’s Registration Rules.

The Blackburn based search and HIP provider was recently inspected against the requirements of the Codes and failed to satisfactorily comply with the required rectifications within the specified time. The PCCB Compliance Committee therefore imposed a cancellation sanction as provided for under PCCB Rules. The firm's details have been removed from the PCCB Register.

Richard Footitt, Chairman of the PCCB said:

“The PCCB’s decision to take forward this cancellation shows that we are determined to ensure that HIPs and search reports are of the high standard people expect. Consumers are not well served by those commissioning or producing sub-standard HIPs and searches, and the PCCB will act against any company registered with them where they have clearly breached either of the Codes.”

The HIP and search industries have adopted Codes of Practice which govern the activities of registered subscribers. Searches and HIPs provided by these companies must meet certain minimum standards and also ensure appropriate consumer protection and redress. The PCCB regulates compliance with the Codes, carrying out its own inspections and taking appropriate rectification or disciplinary action in cases of non-compliance or where errors are made by registered firms.

Notes to Editors:

The Property Codes Compliance Board independently monitors compliance by registered subscribing companies with the HIP and Search Codes. The Codes provide protection for home buyers, sellers, lenders and conveyancers relying on searches and HIPs as part of the home buying process, and include good practice standards, robust insurance requirements and the independent adjudication of complaints.
The HIP Code is sponsored by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers; www.hipassociation.co.uk. The Search Code is sponsored by the Council of Property Search Organisations: www.copso.org.uk.
PCCB inspectors have to date made over 500 recommendations to secure satisfactory compliance from registered firms.
For further information please contact Kate Nicholls, Head of Communications 07958 796 238 or visit www.propertycodes.org.uk.