Have your say! Guild wants agent input on government’s reform agenda

The Guild of Property Professionals is seeking views from member agents on the government’s reform agenda. 

The Regulation of Property Agents working group, or RoPA, was established last year: its a vehicle, chaired by Lord Best, to pursue the government’s goal that all all agency activity is as transparent and informed as possible, including consideration of qualifications being required for agents. 

RoPA has now contacted The Guild of Property Professionals, inviting members and industry experts to submit written contributions regarding both the regulatory framework and the strategies that will be used to enforce it. 

“As the outcome of the group’s consideration will have such a massive impact on the industry and estate agents, The Guild has asked its membership network to provide input regarding their views on the potential regulatory framework and ways in which it can be enforced,” says Guild chief executive Iain McKenzie. 

“There are several aspects that need consideration such as whether there is currently an existing body able to perform the role of regulator for estate agents, as well as the powers that such a regulator should possess to effectively carry out its purpose.”

Other elements that the working group requires input on include whether the regulator should be accountable to Parliament or government and how this will play out.

Also, what resources the regulator would need to carry out its duties, and how it will interact with all parties involved such as the consumer.  

“Considering how fast-paced the industry is, there is also the matter of how the regulator will remain agile and move with the ever-changing property sector,” states McKenzie.

Once The Guild has received feedback from its Members it will submit its contribution to ensure that the opinions of the network are heard and considered by the government.

Guild members can complete the survey by a week today, February 20.